This collaboration between Sibu and Andrew Pott, the founder of SFG Tec, highlights the transformative power of inclusive design, especially in industries where physical ability is often taken for granted. Their story highlights the value of putting accessibility at the forefront of innovation.
The reality of farming with a disability
For Sibu, becoming an agripreneur has meant facing obstacles. From accessing the capital required to modify his farming practices to dealing with societal biases, the path has been anything but smooth.
“Farming requires you to do everything from planting and harvesting to irrigation and weeding. For farmers with disabilities, these tasks become monumental. You end up needing tools, but tools cost money,” Sibu explains.
A game-changer: SFG Tec boxes
Sibu’s farming practice took a leap forward with the introduction of Smart Food Growing Technologies (SFG Tec) boxes, a modular and elevated planting system designed to optimise space, conserve resources, and, crucially, enhance accessibility.
“These boxes have literally transformed my life,” Sibu shares enthusiastically. “It’s almost as if they were designed specifically for me. Their height allows me to work comfortably. They eliminated the need for constant bending, which was a major challenge.”
The SFG Tec boxes come equipped with a water reservoir that reduces watering frequency and simplifies maintenance. The design also makes weeding more manageable, creating a streamlined, efficient process for farmers of all abilities.
The vision behind Smart Food Growing Technologies
For Andrew, accessibility was not an afterthought – it was a core component from the beginning. Andrew explains, “I have shed many drops of sweat growing veggies at ground-level. All that bending and standing is not only physically demanding… It can take a toll on one’s back and joints. Drawing from our own painful growing experiences, we decided to design a growing product, which was not only self-watering, but which was also kinder on the body.” User feedback, including Sibu’s, has played an essential role in shaping the design of the SFG Tec boxes.
The role of accessible design
Accessible farming tools like the SFG Tec boxes don’t just level the playing field – they redefine what’s possible. For users, they represent independence and an opportunity to compete with able-bodied farmers on equal footing. As Andrew says, “Many growers using our WickBox are elderly. The raised growing surface helps to reduce bending… The self-watering nature of the box reduces time and effort to manually water the box, and growing vegetables very densely in the boxes results in very few weeds being able to take root.”
A call to action for designers and innovators
Looking ahead, Andrew envisions even more innovations in accessible agricultural tools. He shares, “Manufacturing processes are improving over time, as are design software options. This results in the ability to design and manufacture new products with enhanced accessibility features. The inclusion of affordable smart technologies in agricultural tools and growing solutions is also on the rise.”
As we observe Disability Rights Awareness Month, Sibu and Andrew remind us of the power of inclusive design to foster equity, resilience, and progress. To find out more about their impact visit the SFG Tec website.
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