In the sprawling landscapes of Africa, a technological revolution is unfolding, one that promises to reshape the continent’s agricultural sector and beyond. Earth Observation (EO) technology, with its ability to monitor crops and map food security, is gaining traction. Yet, a new study led by Catherine Nakalembe, a researcher at the University of Maryland College Park, reveals a stark imbalance in the development and direction of these systems, raising critical questions about data sovereignty and local capacity building.
The research, published in the journal ‘Perspectives of Earth and Space Scientists’ (translated from ‘Perspektiven der Erd- und Raumwissenschaftler’), delves into the landscape of EO for agriculture in Africa. It uncovers a landscape where most activities are directed by non-African entities, despite national efforts to launch satellites and expand space programs. This external influence raises concerns about who sets the priorities and who benefits from the data.
Nakalembe and her team analyzed a database of leading organizations in EO for Machine Learning and partnerships in African space programs. They found that while 71% of these organizations had active initiatives focused on Africa, only one was headquartered locally. This disparity is echoed in the satellite industry, where only around a third of active satellites for African countries were contracted locally.
“The imbalance in the EO sector is not just about numbers,” Nakalembe explains. “It’s about control, about who gets to decide what data is collected, how it’s used, and who benefits. It’s about data sovereignty and local capacity building.”
The study highlights several barriers African users face in accessing their data, underscoring the need for enhanced local participation and leadership. By mapping participation and funding flows, the research elucidates how African countries can exert greater control over EO data and build sustainable expertise.
So, what does this mean for the future of EO in Africa? It means a call to action for African voices to help shape the applications and priorities of these powerful technologies. It means a push for more local leadership and capacity building. It means a future where EO technology serves national development priorities, not just external interests.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. EO technology can play a crucial role in monitoring renewable energy infrastructure, assessing environmental impacts, and planning sustainable energy projects. However, for these benefits to be fully realized, African countries need to take the reins, building local expertise and asserting data sovereignty.
As the EO sector evolves rapidly, the findings of Nakalembe’s research serve as a timely reminder of the need for equitable development. It’s a call for African countries to step up, to assert their priorities, and to harness EO technology for their own development. The future of EO in Africa is bright, but it’s up to African countries to shape it.