Abu Dhabi: Many of the new satellites currently in Earth’s orbit are equipped to provide revolutionary tools and data to improve global food security and strengthen agrifood systems. A new report from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) aims to inform and guide an array of experts and policymakers on the various intersections of space technology and farming, forestry, and land-use management as well as climate and environmental trends.
According to Emirates News Agency, space technology has become a critical tool in agriculture. Satellite imagery, global navigation satellite systems data, and their integrated applications allow stakeholders, from local farmers to international policymakers, to monitor crop health, manage water resources, detect and control pests, and plan for weather uncertainties. This was highlighted by Lifeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, and UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini in their introduction to the report ‘Leverage Space Technology for Agricultural Development and Food Security.’
The use of geospatial technologies dates back to 1957. Since then, more than 17,000 satellites have been launched, with the rate now reaching nearly 3,000 each year. The potential of these technologies has been magnified by the increasing precision and diverse capacities of satellites and a host of cloud-based applications that make granular Earth data increasingly accessible, even to smartphones.
There is a growing need to bridge the gap between space and agriculture. This includes addressing technical interoperability, data harmonization, and capacity development initiatives, as well as fostering international collaboration to ensure that small-scale farmers and developing countries can access and benefit from satellite data.
The report recommends strengthening global capacities in using satellite data for agriculture, increasing international coordination on agriculture-focused satellite missions, and improving accessibility and interoperability between space data and services. It proposes establishing a centralized UN imagery procurement hub for satellite outputs to reduce duplication and enhance synergies.
Additionally, the report emphasizes that increased collaboration and integration will not only lead to greater benefits for all but also help mitigate the risk of space debris, which can threaten the operational safety of satellites and hinder future missions.