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With the global population reaching 8 billion, securing global food systems amidst a changing climate requires a bigger role for science, technology, and innovation, especially in developing countries.

Following July 2023, confirmed as Earth’s hottest month on record, UNCTAD and its partners are focusing efforts on helping developing countries utilize satellite technology to make farming more climate resilient.

Extreme weather events are becoming more intense and frequent, making agricultural adaptation to climate change crucial in minimizing crop loss and fighting global hunger.

The UNCTAD-led CropWatch innovation cooperation program organized capacity-building activities in Mauritius from 7 to 10 August, with participants from 11 developing countries in Africa and the Middle East.

CropWatch uses Earth observation satellite systems and climate-related data to monitor crop conditions and enhance farm management. Countries can tailor the technology to suit their local conditions.

The workshop included policymakers and technical experts from Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lebanon, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Syria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It involved practical exercises and field visits to local plantations where CropWatch is applied for precision farming.

Participating individuals practiced using the CropWatch application’s global positioning and geographic information systems to collect crop sample information. They also learned to use geolocation data to manage irrigation duration and scheduling strategically.

Jane Nzisa Kioko, head of Kenyan national food crops statistics, expressed the relevance of the training for Kenya, where severe drought has affected the country due to consecutive failed rainy seasons.

Launched in 2021, the CropWatch program is a joint effort between the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO).

The program leverages South-South cooperation to assist developing nations in adopting satellite technology for agricultural transformation. By transferring skills and knowledge, the program aims to enhance crop import/export planning, early warning mechanisms, and timely assessment of crop damage after disasters.

The CropWatch program has equipped 11 Asian and African countries with the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt the system to their specific requirements, paving the way for climate-resilient agricultural development and data-driven policy decisions.

The implementation of CropWatch is a step towards fortifying global food systems and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change.

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