Geospatial Technology Enhances Global Food Security Agenda According To UN Report

Satellites in Earth's orbit are now equipped with tools to enhance global food security and agrifood systems. A report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) highlights how space technology intersects with agriculture, forestry, land management, climate, and environmental trends. The report aims to guide experts and policymakers in these areas.

"Space technology has emerged as a game changer. Satellite imagery, global navigation satellite systems data and their integrated applications are now critical tools for agriculture, enabling stakeholders, ranging from local farmers to international policymakers, to monitor crop health, manage water resources, detect and control pests, and plan for weather uncertainties, among various other applications," according to Lifeng LI, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, and UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini in their introduction to "Leverage Space Technology for Agricultural Development and Food Security."

The use of geospatial technologies started in 1957. Since then, over 17,000 satellites have been launched. Currently, nearly 3,000 satellites are launched annually. The precision of these satellites has improved significantly. Cloud-based applications now make detailed Earth data accessible even on smartphones.

There is a pressing need to connect space technology with agriculture. This involves addressing technical interoperability issues and harmonizing data. Capacity development initiatives are also crucial. International collaboration is essential to ensure small-scale farmers and developing countries benefit from satellite data.

The report suggests enhancing global capacities in using satellite data for agriculture. It calls for better international coordination on agriculture-focused satellite missions. Improving accessibility and interoperability between space data services is also recommended.

Centralized Procurement Hub Proposal

A centralized UN imagery procurement hub for satellite outputs is proposed in the report. This would help reduce duplication of efforts and enhance synergies among different stakeholders. Such a hub could streamline access to valuable satellite data for agricultural purposes.

Increased collaboration can lead to more tangible benefits for all involved parties. It can also help mitigate the risks associated with expanding space activities. One such risk is space debris, which poses a threat to satellite operations and future missions.

The integration of space technology into agriculture offers numerous advantages. By improving coordination and accessibility of satellite data, stakeholders can better address challenges in food security and agrifood systems worldwide.

With inputs from WAM