Satellite technology in farm management holds huge potential for agriculture, but using them, especially on a massive scale can be challenging and costly for developing nations.
According to the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), approximately 282 million people across 59 countries and territories, representing 21.5% of the population studied, suffer from severe food insecurity and urgently need food and livelihood assistance. This marks a concerning increase of 24 million people since 2022. Notably, poor agricultural practices in developing countries have been a leading cause of this rising food insecurity, offsetting progress made in other nations.
Satellite technology is a groundbreaking solution to this problem. In developed countries, it has revolutionised farm management by providing valuable data and insights that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in many developed countries. However, it continues to lag in the African farming society.
In this article, we will delve into the world of satellite technology and its applications in farm management, with a focus on the African continent. We will examine the benefits and challenges of adopting satellite tech in agriculture, providing a comprehensive overview of its impact on farming practices, productivity, and sustainability.
Understanding Satellite Technology
A satellite is an artificial body placed in orbit around the earth, moon or another planet to collect information or for communication.
Satellite technology is the innovative use of objects that orbit around the Earth, to perform a diverse array of functions such as weather forecasting, television signal, amateur radio and internet communications, and the Global Positioning System.
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When we talk about satellite technology in agriculture it refers to the use of satellite-based systems and data to support farming practices, improve crop yields, and optimise resource allocation. The major satellite technology utilised in farm management is satellite imaging.
Satellite imaging, also known as satellite remote sensing, is the process of using satellite imagery to gather information about the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, and oceans.
This method utilises satellites fitted with specialised sensors and cameras capable of taking high-resolution images of the Earth from space. The captured images serve various purposes, such as observing weather patterns, monitoring environmental changes, creating maps of land use and vegetation, and evaluating the effects of natural disasters.
Ways Satellite Tech Can Be Used For Farm ManagementÂ
Satellite imaging plays a huge role in boosting farm productivity and agricultural practices. Here are some important uses of satellite tech in farm management:
1. Thermal Imagery:
Satellite technology can be used to generate thermal images which can be used for the following:
- Crop stress detection: Thermal imagery from satellites detects the heat emitted by ground-level objects, revealing temperature variations that correspond to crop stress. By calibrating and correcting images, unnecessary elements like pivot equipment can be removed, ensuring accurate data interpretation.
- Identifying irrigation issues: In thermal imagery, cooler regions appear in purple, while warmer regions are shown in yellow. This helps in identifying irrigation issues, such as leaks or blockages, as water cools the vegetation.
- Detect early signs of disease: Thermal imaging allows farmers to detect early signs of disease and pest pressures by revealing subtle changes in leaf surface temperature, enabling timely and targeted interventions.
2. Monitoring Soil Moisture
Using satellite technology, farmers can also monitor the soil moisture level of their farmlands. This helps to improve:
- Precision farming: Soil moisture is a critical factor in agriculture. High-resolution soil moisture maps, derived from satellite data, are valuable for precision farming at the field level and as they help in improving crop yield modelling.
- Farm decision-making: Advancement in satellite-derived soil moisture technology is expected to provide more relevant farm data. This data can significantly enhance farm management by offering insights at both appropriate temporal and spatial scales.
3. High-Resolution Imaging
As satellite imaging technology advances, high-resolution imagery is increasingly being utilised to assess plant characteristics crucial for agricultural production. This is referred to as crop phenotyping. Crop phenotyping is the process of measuring and analysing observable traits or characteristics of crops, such as plant height, leaf size, flowering time, and yield, to assess their performance. Here is how high-resolution imaging can be used in crop phenotyping.
- Crop phenotyping: High-resolution satellite imaging from low-orbit satellites offers detailed views that can be used in crop phenotyping to evaluate plant characteristics, aiding in the selection of high-yielding and stress-tolerant varieties. This technology is particularly valuable in crop breeding programs, where the ability to accurately assess plant traits can help meet global food demands while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Why African Farmers Need Satellite Technology
The success of agricultural practices, crop yields, and informed investment decisions relies on a comprehensive understanding of various factors. For farmers, investors, and agronomists, insights into soil health, historical land use, topography, and crop performance are essential. Traditional field inspections, however, often fall short of providing this level of detail and accuracy.
Moreover, agricultural land audits can be exhaustive and frequently lack precision, making it difficult for farmers to manage their operations effectively. To optimise daily management and accurately forecast yields, farmers need detailed information on crop and soil conditions, as well as early detection of potential issues. Satellite technology presents a powerful solution by delivering up-to-date and historical data on farmland.
This technology enables farmers to monitor and manage crop health more effectively, allowing them to identify deviations from normal conditions. By using satellite data to pinpoint specific areas of concern, farmers can deploy scouts more strategically, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and that potential issues are addressed promptly.
Benefits of Satellite Tech in Farm Management
There are various benefits of adopting satellite tech in farm management they include:
1. Improved Crop Management
Satellites provide farmers with high-definition, high-resolution imagery to monitor crop development and yield. Multiple diseases, stress indicators, drought, and nutritional shortages in yields can be discovered sooner by image analysis. This leads to timely responses that reduce crop losses and boost yield.
2. Soil Health Analysis
Satellites collect data on soil moisture, composition, and temperature to assess its health. This analysis assists you in determining soil management. It is ideal for making informed judgments about soil amendment requirements, irrigation systems, and soil quality enhancements.
3. Precision Agriculture
Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture, has been a growing field of technology since the 1990s. It is the application of a wide range of technology, including GPS, robotics, drones, and sensors, to improve understanding and efficiency in agricultural activities. Satellite technology can help you with precision farming by giving extensive data on crop performance and soil variability. You can use this knowledge to modify various farming practices. This application not only decreases environmental impact but also increases resource efficiency.Â
4. Accurate Weather Forecasting
Weather forecasts are critical for agricultural productivity. Satellite technology analyses weather patterns and makes predictions appropriately. You may view the real-time weather prediction and plan accordingly. Heavy rain, frost, or storms can be seen through satellite technology. You can then make proper harvesting arrangements, optimise planting, and mitigate weather-related risks.
5. Improving Efficiency and Lowering Fertiliser Consumption
Satellite data assists farmers in determining how much fertiliser to put on their fields and how to distribute it. Historically, all portions of a field were managed equally, but satellite images reveal varying degrees of soil quality and mineral richness. This is beneficial for farmers because they can utilise their fertiliser more efficiently and save money, but it is also helpful for the environment because fertilisers are used less frequently.
Challenges Faced by Farmers in Africa when Adopting Satellite Technology
Adopting satellite technology offers immense potential for African farmers, but they face significant challenges that hinder its widespread use and effectiveness. Some of these challenges include:
1. Lack of Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity
In many parts of rural Africa, basic infrastructure such as reliable electricity and internet connectivity is often lacking. This creates a significant barrier to the effective use of satellite technology, which depends heavily on consistent access to digital networks for data transmission and analysis.
Without reliable internet, farmers cannot easily access satellite data or digital tools that require connectivity. For example, real-time monitoring of crops using satellite imagery is hindered by intermittent internet access. Additionally, the lack of electricity makes it challenging to power devices needed to interact with satellite-based systems, such as computers, smartphones, or specialised equipment.
2. High Costs
The costs associated with implementing satellite technology can be prohibitively high, especially for small-scale farmers. This includes the expenses of acquiring satellite data, purchasing compatible hardware and software, and possibly investing in alternative power sources like generators due to unreliable electricity.
The high initial investment and ongoing operational costs make it difficult for many farmers to justify or afford the adoption of satellite technology. For instance, buying satellite imagery or subscribing to services that provide detailed agricultural insights from satellite data can be expensive. Additionally, the cost of setting up the necessary infrastructure (such as satellite internet) can be a major financial burden, limiting the widespread use of these technologies.
3. Limited Access to Technology and Digital Skills
Many farmers particularly smallholder farmers, have limited access to modern technology and often lack the digital literacy needed to effectively use satellite-based tools. This includes a lack of familiarity with digital devices, software, and the interpretation of satellite data.
The digital divide in rural Africa means that even when satellite technology is available, many farmers are unable to use it effectively. They might not understand how to interpret satellite images or use related software, which diminishes the potential benefits of such technologies. Furthermore, without proper training, farmers may not fully trust or utilise these tools, resulting in slow adoption rates and limited impact on agricultural productivity.
4. Inadequate Regulatory Framework
The regulatory environment in many African countries is not yet fully equipped to support the widespread adoption of digital and satellite technologies in agriculture. This includes a lack of clear policies, guidelines, and support systems for the use of such technologies in farming.
The absence of a robust regulatory framework creates uncertainty for both farmers and technology providers. Farmers may be unsure about the legal implications of using satellite data, such as data ownership and intellectual property rights, which can deter them from adopting these technologies. Moreover, inconsistent or outdated regulations can hinder innovation and the development of new satellite-based agricultural solutions, slowing the pace of digital transformation in the sector.
5. Lack of Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity
In many parts of rural Africa like Nigeria, basic infrastructure such as reliable electricity and internet connectivity is often lacking. This creates a significant barrier to the effective use of satellite technology, which depends heavily on consistent access to digital networks for data transmission and analysis.
Without reliable internet, farmers cannot easily access satellite data or digital tools that require connectivity. For example, real-time monitoring of crops using satellite imagery is hindered by intermittent internet access. Additionally, the lack of electricity makes it challenging to power devices needed to interact with satellite-based systems, such as computers, smartphones, or specialised equipment.
How Farmers in Africa Can Adopt Satellite Technology
Here are four ways to help farmers in Africa adopt satellite technology:
- Education and Programs: Farmers can attend webinars, workshops, and training sessions provided by technology experts to familiarise themselves with satellite technology concepts and practical applications. For example, the CropWatch Innovative Cooperation Program launched in 2021 by UNCTAD, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Alliance of International Science Organizations is a nonprofit program that harnesses the power of South-South Cooperation to overcome many of the hurdles attached to adopting satellite tech in developing countries. It allows participating countries to access much-needed technology, along with training on adapting the system to specific local requirements.
- Needs Assessment and Goal Setting: Farmers should identify their specific challenges, such as risk management or yield improvement, and select satellite applications that best address these needs.
- Evaluate Service Providers: Farmers can explore various satellite technology providers based on factors like data quality, coverage, and cost, choosing the one that aligns with their budget and operational goals.
- Gradual Implementation: Start with basic applications like crop monitoring to assess field conditions. As familiarity grows, farmers can gradually adopt more advanced satellite-driven agricultural practices to enhance sustainability and profitability.
In conclusion, satellite technology offers African farmers a powerful tool to enhance productivity, manage resources efficiently, and address specific agricultural challenges. By embracing this technology through education, careful planning, and gradual implementation, farmers can significantly improve their operations, leading to more sustainable and profitable farming practices across the continent.
