FarmaBooths : Assisting Farming Communities through Earth Observation

1. FarmaBooths: Assisting Farming Communities through Earth Observation INTERNATIONAL SPACE UNIVERSITY 2012 Team Project on Africa UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits Minsk, 11th–15th November 2013 Ricardo Topham Presenter Sponsored by:

2. OUTLINE • The International Space University • Context of project • FarmaBooths • Conclusions

3. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits What is ISU? • A diverse international student body learning from an experienced international faculty to gain an interdisciplinary understanding of space in an intercultural learning environment. • Excellence in Space Education for a Changing World. • Dedicated to the peaceful use of outer space for the betterment of and benefit to humanity. • Provides a competitive edge to begin careers in space-related fields (~75% of 3 700+ ISU alumni work in the space sector). • International network of leading space experts and professionals.

4. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits ISU Programs at a Glance Academic Programs Executive Development Program ISU also offers Professional Development Programs & Short Courses/Workshops

5. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits The ISU Community The 3700+ ISU alumni come from over 100 countries! 75% of ISU alumni work in the space sector

6. OUTLINE • The International Space University • Context of the project • FarmaBooths • Conclusions

7. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits

8. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits CONTEXT OF THE PROJECT • Project Africa for Space or Space for Africa? How did “space” fit? • Using 3 different countries as examples, we proposed and analyzed innovative space spin–off technologies, satellite applications, and space business potentials. • Selection based on current space capabilities and location, social development, technology level, infrastructure, and other related characteristics: • Nations with space agencies ––> South Africa • Nations with space involvement but no space agency ––> Morocco • Nations with no space involvement or capabilities ––> Liberia • Earth Observation main component in 2 ideas: • Desert Movement Prediction Center. • FarmaBooths.

9. GOAL To analyze and propose innovative space spin–off technologies, satellite applications, and space business potentials applicable in fostering sustained social and economic development across the African continent

10. OUTLINE • The International Space University • Context of project • FarmaBooths • Conclusions

11. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits FARMABOOTHS Local Assistance to Farmers Food Security in Africa Providing satellite information for agriculture Agriculture is a critical part of the economy, yet food insecurity is major concern FarmaBooths Inspired from Indian “Village Resource Centres” concept developed by ISRO

12. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits FARMABOOTHS The Concept • Segments: • 1. Space Segment • 2. Data Interpretation Centers • 3. Centralized FarmaBooth • Facility • 4. Individual FarmaBooths (each one covering 400km2) • Data transferred via • Pan African e–network

13. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits FARMABOOTHS The Concept FarmaBooths use the existing Pan–African e–Network, with its dedicated infrastructure (RASCOM satellite system), and well established financial framework and technical and academic support. Biggest challenge will be interpretation and distribution of maps to FarmaBooths. To minimize these risks Indian VRCs can be used, which already possess infrastructure to receive, interpret, and send data to FarmaBooths. The Pan-Africa e–Network project is also a collaboration with the Indian Government, so using VRCs should not present many political challenges.

14. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits FARMABOOTHS Instruments Used

15. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits FARMABOOTHS Implementation Costs for Establishing 1x FarmaBooth Village Resource Center (VRC) services based on human resources costs/ year Imagery costs: assume 12 images/year with scene size of 20km x 20km

16. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits FARMABOOTHS Implementation Aiding Liberia’s economy’s largest sector can bring development and stability. Increasing crop yields can: Raise farmer incomes. Promote food stability. Facilitate the efficient use of resources. Implementing the FarmaBooth project is possible as Liberia is a member of the Pan-African e–Network – with centers at the University of Liberia, John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, and Liberia Telecommunications Corporation, all in Monrovia. Each could serve as a centralizedFarmaBoothfacility.

17. FARMABOOTHS Implementation

18. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits FARMABOOTHS SWOT Analysis

19. OUTLINE • The International Space University • Context of project • FarmaBooths • Conclusions

20. UN Belarus Workshop on Space Technology Applications for Socio–Economic Benefits CONCLUSIONS • FarmaBooths: • Inspired on existing Village Resource Centers developed by ISRO. • Proven to be implementable with existing sensors + technology + expertise. • A reasonable yearly cost below $50,000 per FarmaBooth unit: • Fundable with international aid funds such as USAID, UN FAO. • Or potentially through self-funding of produced food distributors, benefiting from a recognized quality label.

21. Acknowledgements: ISU Team Project Members, especially: Chris Johnson, Rafael Hernández Villatoro, and Stavros Georgakas NASA for their Team Project sponsorship The UN, Secure World Foundation, and the Belarus State University for giving us the opportunity to present

22. Report available at: • africa.isunet.edu • click on • Final Report in PDF • Thank You Sponsored by: