The Role of Geospatial Solutions in Agricultural Development
Introduction
The training workshop conducted in Banjul on January 16 and 17, 2024, aimed to enhance the capacity of national stakeholders in employing geospatial solutions for agricultural development. The workshop focused on the methodologies and standards promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), specifically tailored for the Resilience of Organizations for Transformative Smallholder Agriculture (ROOTS) project. This project was initiated by the Government of The Gambia and co-financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Utilizing Geospatial Tools
During the workshop, participants were introduced to various geospatial tools such as SEPAL, Google Earth Engine, and Collect Earth Online. These tools were utilized to create a detailed Land Cover Map of The Gambia for the year 2023. The workshop provided a comprehensive understanding of the entire process, starting from the basics of geospatial analysis to generating their own maps, collecting and interpreting training data, and conducting an accuracy analysis to assess the quality of the created maps.
Preparation and Learning Material
Prior to the workshop, participants were provided with study material to familiarize themselves with the concepts and tools. They had access to downloadable notes and a series of exercises designed to reinforce learning through hands-on practice. This preparation enabled them to effectively utilize the provided data and tools in producing a Land Cover map.
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The training workshop aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. By enhancing the capacity of national stakeholders in employing geospatial solutions for agricultural development, the workshop contributes to SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 13: Climate Action. The use of geospatial tools promotes efficient and sustainable agricultural practices, leading to improved food security, technological advancements, and climate resilience.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The article discusses a training workshop focused on employing geospatial solutions for agricultural development. This is directly connected to SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The use of geospatial solutions can help enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency.
The workshop also utilized technologies like SEPAL, Google Earth Engine, and Collect Earth Online, which are related to SDG 9, which promotes the development of resilient infrastructure and the facilitation of sustainable industrialization.
Additionally, the focus on creating a Land Cover Map and assessing its accuracy relates to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Monitoring land cover changes can provide valuable information for understanding the effects of climate change on ecosystems.
Lastly, the emphasis on the Resilience of Organizations for Transformative Smallholder Agriculture (ROOTS) project aligns with SDG 15, which seeks to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The project aims to enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content:
- SDG 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, including through secure and equal access to land, other productive resources and inputs, knowledge, financial services, markets, and opportunities for value addition and non-farm employment.
- SDG 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
- SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
The targets mentioned above are relevant to the issues discussed in the article. The training workshop aims to enhance agricultural productivity (SDG 2.3) by equipping participants with geospatial solutions. It also contributes to the enhancement of technological capabilities (SDG 9.5) by utilizing tools like SEPAL and Google Earth Engine. The workshop also focuses on improving education and capacity on climate change (SDG 13.3) through the assessment of land cover changes. Lastly, the emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices aligns with the goal of conserving and restoring terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15.1).
3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Increased agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers
- Number of research and development workers per 1 million people
- Investment in public and private research and development spending
- Improved education and awareness on climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but the progress towards the identified targets can be measured using indicators such as the increase in agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, the number of research and development workers per 1 million people, the investment in research and development spending, improvements in education and awareness on climate change, and the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
4. Table presenting the findings:
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers | Increased agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries | Number of research and development workers per 1 million people, investment in research and development spending |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | Improved education and awareness on climate change |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services | Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems |
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Fuente: fao.org
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