SatSure Looks to Bring Satellite Benefits to Kenya’s Agricultural Sector – Via Satellite

 

Report on the Strategic Partnership Between SatSure Analytics and KALRO for Sustainable Agricultural Development in Kenya

1.0 Partnership Overview

A strategic partnership has been established between SatSure Analytics, an Earth Observation (EO) data analysis firm, and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO). The collaboration, announced on August 4, aims to integrate advanced satellite data and analytics into Kenya’s agricultural sector to foster data-driven decision-making and advance national sustainability objectives.

2.0 Strategic Objectives and Technological Integration

The primary goal of this collaboration is to leverage technological innovation to address critical challenges in agriculture. The key objectives include:

1. Technological Synergy: To combine SatSure’s expertise in satellite EO, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and remote sensing with KALRO’s extensive agricultural research and on-ground knowledge.
2. Actionable Insights Generation: To utilize advanced analytics on satellite imagery to provide precise, actionable information for crop monitoring, yield forecasting, and soil health assessment.
3. Development of Digital Tools: To create and deploy digital solutions tailored for agricultural stakeholders, including government agencies, agribusinesses, and individual farmers.
4. Climate Resilience: To develop and implement robust strategies that enhance the agricultural sector’s resilience to climate change.

3.0 Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This partnership directly supports the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kenya.

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The initiative is central to achieving food security. By improving yield forecasting and crop monitoring, the project will boost agricultural productivity, contributing directly to ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: A core focus is on building climate resilience. The use of satellite data to understand climate impacts and optimize resource utilization is a critical step in climate change adaptation for the agricultural sector.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The project represents a significant advancement in technological infrastructure for Kenya’s agricultural industry. It promotes innovation by integrating AI and satellite analytics into traditional farming practices.
• SDG 1: No Poverty: By empowering farmers with tools for precision agriculture, the partnership aims to increase farm productivity and profitability, thereby improving livelihoods and contributing to poverty reduction in rural areas.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The collaboration between SatSure and KALRO is a prime example of a multi-stakeholder partnership, combining international technological expertise with local research capabilities to achieve sustainable development objectives.

4.0 Implementation and Projected Outcomes

The memorandum of understanding outlines a clear path for implementation through joint initiatives.

4.1 Implementation Plan

• Launch of targeted pilot projects to test and refine the digital tools.
• Conducting joint research to address specific agricultural challenges in Kenya.
• Systematic development and rollout of digital support tools for all agricultural stakeholders.

4.2 Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced agricultural resilience and sustainability across Kenya.
• Improved food security through data-driven agricultural management.
• Empowerment of farmers with precise, timely information for optimized resource use.
• Strengthened capacity for climate impact assessment and adaptation within the agricultural sector.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• The article directly addresses SDG 2 by focusing on efforts to end hunger and achieve food security. The partnership between SatSure and KALRO aims to “boost agricultural productivity in Kenya” and contribute to the country’s “food security goals.” The use of satellite data for “crop monitoring, yield forecasting, and soil health assessment” are all measures intended to improve food production and sustainability.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• This goal is relevant due to the article’s emphasis on integrating advanced technology and innovation into a key sector. The collaboration aims to “integrate SatSure’s expertise in EO and AI with KALRO’s research capabilities” and involves “satellite imagery, remote sensing, and advanced analytics.” The development of “digital tools” and the focus on “geospatial intelligence capabilities” highlight the role of innovation (Target 9.5) and supporting domestic research (Target 9.b) in a developing country.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The article connects to SDG 13 by highlighting the development of “climate resilience strategies.” The partnership seeks to use satellite data to help the agricultural sector adapt to climate change, as evidenced by the goal to “better understand climate impacts” and “optimize resource utilization.” This directly supports efforts to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related challenges in agriculture.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The entire article is centered on a “strategic collaboration” and “partnership” between SatSure Analytics, a private Earth Observation data company, and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), a government research body. This multi-stakeholder partnership is a clear example of SDG 17, which promotes collaboration to achieve sustainable development. The MoU aims to “pave the way for pilot projects, joint research initiatives,” demonstrating a partnership that mobilizes and shares knowledge, expertise, and technology.

Specific Targets Identified

Targets for SDG 2: Zero Hunger

1. Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. The article supports this target by aiming to “boost agricultural productivity” and “empower farmers with precise, timely information,” which are essential steps to increasing yields and, subsequently, income.
2. Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices. The focus on “soil health assessment,” “climate resilience strategies,” and helping farmers “optimize resource utilization” directly aligns with creating resilient and sustainable agricultural systems that can adapt to climate impacts.
3. Target 2.a: Increase investment in agricultural research and extension services, technology development. The partnership itself, which facilitates “joint research initiatives” and the development of “digital tools,” represents an investment in agricultural research and technology development in Kenya.

Targets for SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

1. Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries. The collaboration aims to “integrate technology into agricultural research” by bringing “advanced satellite data and analytics” and “SatSure’s expertise in EO and AI” to Kenya’s farming sector, directly contributing to upgrading technological capabilities.

Targets for SDG 13: Climate Action

1. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. The development of “climate resilience strategies” and using data to “better understand climate impacts” are direct actions to strengthen the agricultural sector’s ability to adapt to climate change.

Targets for SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

1. Target 17.6: Enhance international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation. The partnership between an international data analytics firm (SatSure) and a national research organization (KALRO) to share expertise in “EO and AI” is a direct example of this target in action.
2. Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships. The article describes a specific “multi-stakeholder partnership” between the private sector and a government agency to achieve shared goals of food security and agricultural resilience.

Implied Indicators for Measuring Progress

Indicators for SDG 2 Targets

• Agricultural Productivity and Yields: The article implies this can be measured through “yield forecasting.” An indicator would be the measured increase in crop yields in areas where the new technology and data are applied.
• Adoption of Sustainable Practices: Progress can be measured by the number of farmers or the total area of farmland utilizing the “digital tools” and “precise, timely information” for “soil health assessment” and “resource utilization.”
• Investment in Research: An indicator is the number of “pilot projects” and “joint research initiatives” successfully launched and completed under the MoU between SatSure and KALRO.

Indicators for SDG 9 Targets

• Technology Integration: A key indicator would be the number of “digital tools” developed and deployed for agricultural stakeholders, as mentioned in the article. The rate of adoption of these tools by farmers and agribusinesses would also be a measure of success.

Indicators for SDG 13 Targets

• Enhanced Adaptive Capacity: Progress could be measured by the number of farmers or agricultural agencies that have access to and are using the “climate resilience strategies” and data on “climate impacts” provided through the partnership.

Indicators for SDG 17 Targets

• Existence of Partnership: The primary indicator is explicitly mentioned: the signed “MoU between SatSure and KALRO.” The successful implementation of its objectives, such as joint projects, would be a further indicator of the partnership’s effectiveness.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators Identified in the Article
SDG 2: Zero Hunger	2.3: Double agricultural productivity. 2.4: Ensure sustainable and resilient food production. 2.a: Increase investment in agricultural research and technology.	– Measured increases in crop yields via “yield forecasting.” – Number of farmers/area of land using “digital tools” for “soil health assessment.” – Number of “pilot projects” and “joint research initiatives” launched.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure	9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities.	– Number of “digital tools” developed and deployed. – Rate of adoption of “advanced satellite data and analytics” by stakeholders.
SDG 13: Climate Action	13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.	– Number of farmers/agencies provided with and using “climate resilience strategies.”
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	17.6: Enhance cooperation on science, technology, and innovation. 17.16: Enhance multi-stakeholder partnerships.	– The existence and implementation of the “MoU between SatSure and KALRO.” – Successful execution of joint initiatives under the partnership.

Source: satellitetoday.com