Earth observation and crop monitoring on a massive scale are neither easy nor inexpensive exercises, but both hold immense potential for better food security planning and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, many developing countries simply do not have access to the required tools, either due to technology deficits or costs.
Objective
The CropWatch-ICP Programme, launched and implemented in the context of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development, aims to facilitate and stimulate agricultural monitoring of 14 developing countries for the advancement of the SDG goal of zero hunger.
CropWatch is a system that uses satellite data to monitor crop conditions and integrates this with other climate-related data on drought, pest and disease for better farm management.
The CropWatch-ICP will allow developing countries that need CropWatch to access the technology directly and use it for crop monitoring and food security purposes, both during and after the programme. The programme will also provide developing countries with trainings on the system, its underlying techniques, as well as customization and localization for specific requirements.
Activities
Online training, field work, system customization, regional workshop and on the job training in Beijing.
Intended Outcomes
Participating countries can deal with food security issues better with increased harvest and therefore more food supply for household, overall domestic consumption and export.
Link to the SDGs
SDG 2 (Target 2.1-2.4, 2.A) and SDG 17 (Target: 17.10)
Monitoring and Evaluation
The project will regularly take stock of the progress made through consultations. The progress and final report will be prepared in collaboration with AIR/CAS.
Nigeria update on Cropwatch Programme
Nigeria completed a field study on crop type distribution, growth monitoring and yield predictionin October 2023.
Kenya update on Cropwatch Programme
Kenya completed the first field study on crop growth monitoring and yield prediction in June 2023.
Zimbabwe update on Cropwatch Programme
Zimbabwe has successfully concluded its initial field study on crop growth monitoring in August 2023.
Regional training workshop for satellite crop monitoring using the CropWatch system, Mauritius, 7-10 August 2023
Opening ceremony on 7 August 2023. Twenty-six experts from eleven participating countries took part in the training.
Regional training workshop for satellite crop monitoring using the CropWatch system, Mauritius, 7-10 August 2023
Participants today took part in a fieldwork training session at a pineapple plantation, les Mariannes, Mauritius.
Regional training workshop for satellite crop monitoring using the CropWatch system, Mauritius, 7-10 August 2023
After 4 days' intensive practical training in Mauritius, we are delighted to wrap up this successful CropWatch-ICP workshop. We look forward to hearing the impact that this powerful system will generate in the participating countries' pursuit of food security.
Algeria Cropwatch Programme
Algeria completed field data collection to advance crop monitoring and yield prediction in December 2022.
Mauritius Cropwatch Programme
Mauritius completed the first field study on crop growth monitoring and yield prediction in November 2022.
Using satellite technology to transform agriculture in developing countries
Backed by UNCTAD and its partners, the CropWatch innovation cooperation programme helps boost crop yields and farming resilience, accelerating progress towards zero hunger – a key ambition outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Experiences of farmers using the CropWatch system
Erasmus Tang from Cameroon
Ihab Jomaa from Lebanon
Jane Kioko from Kenya
Rakiya Babamaaji from Nigeria
Project Code
INT/0T/KAL
Partners
The Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) and the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
Beneficiaries
Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Syria, Thailand, Lebanon, Mauritius, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Duration
2021-2023
Budget
$ 184,000
Contact
Ms Liping Zhang
Chief, Science, Technology and Innovation for Development Section
UNCTAD
Related
Topic
Commission on Science and Technology for Development
Science, technology and innovation
