PhD project at University of Leicester aims to get more farmers in UK and Kenya using satellite imagery to protect food security
Harnessing data from satellite imaging technologies can help farmers combat the impact of extreme weather and improve food security worldwide, according to a postgraduate researcher at the University of Leicester.
Fiona Imbali, a PhD student in the School of Geography, Geology, and Environment, is working to encourage farmers in East Anglia and Kenya to access satellite data and make their farms more resilient to the impact of climate change.
Her study aims to explore how earth observation technologies, such as remote sensing and satellite monitoring for weather predictions and soil moisture assessments, can equip farmers with the necessary data to make informed agricultural decisions.
One of the project’s key components is the development of a mobile application that provides farmers with real-time weather data, which empowers them to plan their agricultural activities with greater accuracy.
Commenting on her research, Imbali said: “Earth observation (EO) technologies provide a strategic solution to enhance better farming practices, but require better strategies for communicating with farmers to allay any ethical and environmental fears and improve their adoption.
“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the importance of working with local communities and respecting their indigenous knowledge for climate governance, and this research will be working with indigenous farming communities to develop participatory science communication strategies for the adoption of EO technologies.”
News of Imbali’s project comes after a delegation of academics from the University of Leicester travelled to COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, to take their expertise in climate, sustainability and environmental issues to decision-makers.
Professor Heiko Balzter, one of Imbali’s PhD supervisors who attended the COP29 climate conference, said: “Fiona’s PhD research investigates an issue that is crucial for humanity – how farming can be made more resilient to climate change impacts.
”The world is currently on a path towards around 2.7°C global warming. Current national policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient to reduce that level. We are seeking to strengthen food security with the help of satellite images. Working with farmers and local communities is key to achieving success in this endeavour.”
