Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa) and the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) have joined forces through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the recent Agricultural Ministerial Conference that took place in May in Kampala, Uganda. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of improving agricultural practices and addressing climate challenges in Eastern and Central Africa. By leveraging their joint expertise and resources, DE Africa and ASARECA aim to maximise the value and impact of Earth observation data for the agricultural sector across the continent. This MOU follows on from the collaboration between DE Africa and ASARECA on the Information for Food, Agriculture and Water Security (IAFWS) project. This project sought to improve lives, through the productivity of smallholder farmers and demonstrate what can be learnt from Earth observation.
ASARECA Executive Director, Dr. Enock Warinda and DE Africa's Managing Director, Dr. Thembi Xaba, sign a MoU at the ASARECA Agricultural Ministerial Conference 2023
Strengthening Agriculture in Eastern and Central Africa
ASARECA is a not-for-profit inter-governmental sub-regional organisation that has played a pivotal role in enhancing farmer resilience and livelihoods amidst the impacts of climate change in Eastern and Central Africa. The organisation's objective revolves around increasing productivity, commercialization, and competitiveness of the agricultural sector through coordinated research for development.
Harnessing Earth Observation Data for Sustainable Development
DE Africa has been actively championing the utilisation of earth observation data for sustainable development. By processing openly accessible and freely available data, DE Africa creates decision-ready products that are tailored to the information needs, challenges, and priorities of the African continent. With a focus on mitigating the effects of climate change, DE Africa seeks to improve agriculture, food, and water security in Africa.
Dr. Thembi Xaba, Managing Director of DE Africa, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, "We are delighted to partner with ASARECA in our shared commitment to harnessing the power of earth observation data for sustainable agriculture. This partnership will enable us to strengthen the use of EO information, drive innovation, and support evidence-based decision-making for agricultural development in Eastern and Central Africa."
The Power of Collaboration
The MoU between DE Africa and ASARECA establishes a framework for collaboration and cooperation. Recognizing the importance of capacity building and knowledge exchange, both organisations aim to utilise EO data and related products to address key challenges in the agricultural sector. Combining their collective expertise and resources, ASARECA and DE Africa strive to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Eastern and Central Africa.
Joint Initiatives for Impact
Under the MoU, DE Africa ASARECA and will collaborate on various initiatives, including stakeholder engagement, utilisation and adoption of DE Africa tools and services, coordination of Earth Observation initiatives, exchange of knowledge and technologies, resource mobilisation, capacity development, and promoting the implementation of Agricultural Research for Development interventions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The partnership between DE Africa and ASARECA signifies a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices and addressing climate challenges in Eastern and Central Africa. By combining their expertise and resources, both organisations are poised to maximise the potential of Earth observation data, drive innovation, and support evidence-based decision-making. Through this collaboration, DE Africa and ASARECA aim to strengthen the agricultural sector, improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs in the region.
DE Africa continues with its mission of empowering countries across Africa with Earth observation data to enable climate adaptation and mitigation, greater food security and more sustainable development.
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