Overview
Crop monitoring using earth observation on a large scale is neither straightforward nor inexpensive. However, it holds significant potential for enhancing food security planning and advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unfortunately, many developing countries lack access to the necessary tools due to technological deficits or associated costs.
To address this issue, the CropWatch Innovative Cooperation Programme (CropWatch ICP) was launched in 2021 by the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Alliance of International Science Organisations (ANSO), and the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The programme aims to bolster capacities for early warning on food security through using the Earth observation satellite system for crop monitoring in developing countries. It enables these countries to conduct national and sub-national scale earth observation-based crop monitoring without requiring additional storage and computing facilities investments, facilitating better food security planning and advancing SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
Following an intensive two-month online training in 2021, a side event titled “Application of Satellite Technology to Support Inclusive Implementation of the SDGs” was held during the 26th session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development. This was succeeded by a regional workshop in Mauritius in August 2023, which included 26 participants from Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lebanon, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Syria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The workshop offered hands-on training and was highly appreciated by the participating countries.
The programme has garnered significant interest from developing countries. In light of this, a regional workshop will be organised in Abuja, Nigeria, to bring technicians, policymakers, and other stakeholders from West African countries to receive training in using the CropWatch system.
The workshop, “Advancing satellite-based crop monitoring to increase resilience in the face of global food insecurity,” will be held between 2 and 5 July 2024 to demonstrate the progress and effectiveness of the customised CropWatch system in Nigeria. Participants will be granted access to the technology during and after the workshop and receive training on utilising and customising it for specific local requirements. The workshop will be hosted by Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in collaboration with UNCTAD, ANSO, and AIR-CAS.
Objectives
The primary objective of this workshop is to facilitate and stimulate agricultural monitoring in the beneficiary countries to advance the SDG goal of Zero Hunger. Specifically, the workshop aims to:
- Train and educate participants in using the technology and tools provided under the CropWatch ICP project, enabling them to apply these in their countries to help achieve SDG 2: Zero Hunger. This technology will aid in better crop monitoring for food security purposes and provide science-based information to support food trade decision-making.
- Share knowledge alongside technology, equipping participants from beneficiary countries with the skills and knowledge required to fully adopt the CropWatch system for their regular crop monitoring activities in the long term. Thus, they can continue using the technology autonomously after the project concludes.
Target Audience
The workshop will accommodate 15-20 participants from the ministries of agriculture or space agencies of beneficiary West African countries. Priority will be given to those who participated in the online training in 2021, are still interested in the project, and are working in the relevant field.
Click here to access the workshop’s tentative programme and learn more about the event.
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