dossier
new satellite technology will save crop plantations in uganda
Credit : Kate Holt / IRIN .
Read more https :// www . rheagroup . com / news / droughtand-flood-mitigationservice-supportugandan-farmers
The protection of Uganda ’ s agriculture is the foundation for maintaining a sustainable food security system and the economy of the country . According to the United Nations ’ Food and Agriculture Organization , 80 % of the Ugandan population relies upon farming for its livelihood . However , recurrent dry spells have lately plagued the seasons in the country and have resulted in extended lean periods and lowered crop and livestock productivity . Responding to the effects of climate change and predicting potential droughts and floods have , therefore , became a priority for the country .
Weather-related extreme events not only have a negative impact on food security and supply , they also affect the incomes of households working in the agriculture sector . The UK Space Agency and a consortium integrated by UK companies and led by
RHEA Group have joined forces with the Ugandan Ministry of Water and Environment and local nongovernment organizations ( NGOs ) to develop a Drought and Flood Mitigation Service ( DFMS ) that will help Ugandan farmers respond to adverse effects in agriculture effectively . The DFMS will use satelliteand ground-based data combined with drought and flood models to produce and share better forecasts for the management of water resources .
Environment Early Warning Platform
The DFMS will use an innovative , open-source Environment Early Warning Platform ( EWP ) to communicate with local farmers on actions to be taken throughout the growing season to maximize crop yields .
Optical and radar sensors can provide an accurate picture of the acreage being cultivated
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