Harnessing satellite imaging technology could be key to combating the impacts of extreme weather and enhancing global food security, says Fiona Imbali, a postgraduate researcher at the University of Leicester. Her project is focused on encouraging farmers in East Anglia, UK, and Kenya to adopt cutting-edge satellite imaging data to make their farms more resilient against climate change.
Fiona Imbali, a PhD student in the School of Geography, Geology, and Environment, aims to demonstrate how earth observation technologies such as remote sensing and satellite monitoring can be used for weather prediction and soil moisture assessments, helping farmers make informed decisions that increase their resilience.
One of the standout elements of Imbali’s project is the development of a mobile app that will provide farmers with real-time weather information, empowering them to plan their agricultural activities with greater accuracy and confidence.
“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,” Imbali explained.
Imbali added that, “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 as a delegation from the University of Leicester, including some of her PhD supervisors, attended the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, to share their expertise on climate, sustainability, and environmental issues with global leaders.
Professor Heiko Balzter, one of Imbali’s supervisors who attended the COP29 climate conference, emphasised the significance of her research: “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.”
As climate change continues to threaten food production around the world, Imbali’s research represents an important stride towards developing innovative, data-driven solutions to secure food supplies and support farmers globally.
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