Leveraging Earth Observation (EO) data to produce standardized land cover maps in Rwanda

03/04/2023

Kigali- In Rwanda’s capital city, FAO Statistics’ Technical Advisor Lorenzo DeSimone is showing Alsaad Ndayizeye some features of Earth Observation (EO). Since 2016, Ndayizeye works in Rwanda Water Resources Board as River Flood Control Specialist. He is one of 19 scientists, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is training NOW on the use of Earth observation (EO) to produce standardized land cover maps that will be used in FAO’s Hand in Hand initiative and other Rwanda’s agriculture transformation planning activities.

“This training is very important. Land cover data we have now date back to 2018. But with this Earth Observation, we will be getting yearly satellite-based data and we can even track all the previous years.  I really thank FAO because, EO helps examine landscape patterns and characteristics, which are important in understanding the extent, availability, and condition of lands. This information is key for better water resource management” said Ndayizeye.

Agricultural statistics play a paramount role in efficient water use and water management. FAO estimates that around 70 percent of freshwater withdrawals go into agriculture. The uses within the sector are very diverse and include mainly irrigation, pesticide and fertilizer application, and sustaining livestock. 

What is Earth observation (EO)?

Earth observation is the gathering of information about planet Earth's physical, chemical, and biological systems via remote sensing technologies, usually involving satellites carrying imaging devices. Earth observation is used to monitor and assess the status of, and changes in, the natural and manmade environment. EO helps generate timely data, and data interpretation to ensure appropriately informed decisions required in the journey of agricultural transformation.

Hand-in-Hand Initiative

The initiative supports the implementation of nationally led, ambitious programmes to accelerate agrifood systems transformations by eradicating poverty (SDG1), ending hunger and malnutrition (SDG2), and reducing inequalities (SDG10). It uses advanced geospatial modeling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach to accelerate the market-based transformation of agrifood systems — to raise incomes, improve the nutritional status and well-being of poor and vulnerable populations, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

“This initiative of our Director-General intends to help us honor our commitment of not leaving anyone behind. We discussed this with the government and it is clear that we need to join hands in helping residents of districts that were reported to have the highest level of poverty and stunting. But our interventions should be informed by reliable data and Earth Observation and Hand in Hand Geospatial platform are our best tools” said Coumba Sow, FAO Representative in Rwanda.

“We are very grateful to FAO, to have made Nyaruguru, Ngororero and Kaduha-Gitwe Corridor, a priority in Hand in Hand Initiative and to echo our goal of generating data, facts, and statistics to ensure sustainable agriculture development. This training comes at the right time because it is imperative now that we digitalize agriculture at every level and use Geographic Information System (GIS) tools at our disposal” said Florence Uwamariya, Deputy Director General in charge of Agricultural Development, at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).

Participants of the training on Earth Observation included government officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resource Development Board, Rwanda Space Agency, National Institute of Statistics, Rwanda National Land Authority, and Rwanda Water Resources Board. They will be interpreting data available in the HiH Geospatial Platform for the benefit of boosting agricultural production, food security, and climate resilience. 

Results of the training include producing the draft land cover maps and projections for the Hand in Hand package for the upcoming investment Forum, analyzing and interpreting data along with required investments on priority value chains.