Julius Buyengo is a Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation expert leading Digital Earth Africa projects at RCMRD. As a member of DE Africa’s Technical Advisory Committee, he is dedicated to advancing geospatial innovation, capacity development, and impactful decision-making across the continent. We caught up with Julius to learn more.
Could you briefly share your own professional background?
I am a seasoned Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation specialist with extensive expertise in geospatial data analytics and remote sensing technologies. My expertise spans various fields including; environmental and natural resource management, land administration, socioeconomics, climate monitoring, agriculture and food security having worked as a Geospatial Scientist at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) for over ten years.
What motivated your organisation to become an implementing partner of DE Africa?
RCMRD’s motivation to become an implementing partner of DE Africa is because of our shared commitment to fostering sustainable development, empowering local communities, and advancing innovation across the African continent. DE Africa's mission aligns closely with our values and strategic goals, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, capacity building, and the creation of sustainable solutions to address critical environmental challenges. By partnering with DE Africa, we saw an opportunity to leverage our expertise and resources to make a tangible impact.
Can you share a bit about your organisation, including its mission, focus areas, how it integrates Earth Observation data into its work and importantly, your influence in your region?
RCMRD’s integration of Earth Observation data into its work is integral to its mission of promoting sustainable development across Eastern and Southern Africa. By leveraging cutting-edge geospatial technologies, RCMRD supports effective decision-making in critical areas such as agriculture, disaster management, and climate change adaptation. The center’s influence in the region continues to grow as it fosters cooperation, builds capacity, and contributes to shaping policies for sustainable and resilient development in ESA countries.
How has your partnership with Digital Earth Africa evolved over time, and what key milestones have stood out in your journey (from your own personal perspective)?
RCMRD’s partnership with Digital Earth Africa has evolved from an initial collaboration to a highly impactful regional alliance aimed at driving sustainable development through Earth Observation data. Together, we have reached key milestones in capacity building, data integration, and decision-making support. These efforts have empowered countries in the ESA region to address pressing challenges such as climate change, food security, disaster risk, and natural resource management, ultimately contributing to more informed and resilient regional development.
From your experience, what are the most significant benefits that DE Africa brings to your organisation and the communities you serve?
The partnership between DE Africa and RCMRD has provided a wealth of benefits that have enhanced decision-making capabilities, sustainable resource management, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation efforts across Eastern and Southern Africa. Through improved access to Earth Observation data, capacity building, and data-driven tools, our stakeholders benefit from better planning, enhanced resilience, and more effective management of their natural resources.
Why do you think Earth Observation data and data-driven insights are crucial for sustainable development in Africa?
Earth Observation data and data-driven insights are indispensable for addressing the complex, multifaceted challenges that Africa faces today. From climate change and disaster management to food security, urban planning, and economic development, EO data provides the foundation for informed decision-making that is critical for sustainable development. By leveraging this data, African countries can better plan for the future, mitigate risks, conserve resources, and ensure that development benefits are inclusive, equitable, and long-lasting.
Could you share a specific project or success story where DE Africa’s platform and resources have made a tangible impact?
The Land Degradation and Desertification Monitoring Project is just one example of how DE Africa’s platform and Earth Observation resources have had a tangible impact in Africa’s development. By providing real-time, high-quality data on land use, vegetation, and climate patterns, DE Africa has enabled better decision-making at all levels, from local farmers to national governments.
What challenges do you see in scaling the adoption of EO data across different sectors, and how can they be addressed?
Scaling the adoption of EO data across different sectors in Africa requires overcoming challenges related to data accessibility, capacity building, integration into decision-making, and funding. Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts from governments, international organizations, private sector partners, and local communities. By improving data accessibility, investing in capacity-building, simplifying data interpretation, and creating sustainable financial models, the adoption of EO data across key sectors can be significantly scaled up, resulting in more informed decision-making, improved resource management, and enhanced sustainable development.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Digital Earth Africa, and how do you see your organisation contributing to that vision?
The future of Digital Earth Africa holds immense promise, and RCMRD’s contributions are central to realizing this vision. By playing a leadership role in data accessibility, training, regional collaboration, technology adoption, and climate resilience, RCMRD can ensure that DE Africa has a transformative impact on sustainable development across the continent.