SpaceTech in Agriculture: Advancing Sustainability and Ensuring Security (Webinar)
The recent webinar on “SpaceTech in Agriculture: Advancing Sustainability and Ensuring Food Security” brought together industry leaders and innovators from diverse fields, including AI, Earth Observation (EO), and IoT for agriculture. Our esteemed speakers shared insights into how these cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing agriculture, promoting sustainable practices, and addressing food security challenges. In this article, we present recordings from the event, capturing the dynamic discussions and transformative solutions at the intersection of space technology and agriculture.
1. Eugene Rwibasira, an Independent Consultant at Rwanda Climate Change and Development Network (RCCDN Rwanda), a network that brings together 73 NGOs in Rwanda.
Prior to that, Eugene served as the Executive Secretary of Rwanda Development Organization -RDO, a position he held for 18 years. He also served as a deputy Governor (Sous-Prefet) for the then BYUMBA Prefecture, now Northern Province of Rwanda for a period of 5 years. Eugene holds MSc. in Agricultural & Applied Economics from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. He sits on several boards: Chairman Board of Directors of the Rwanda Grains and Cereals Corporation, and a Member of the Global Council on Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation-GPEDC representing Civil Society from Eastern Africa and also Board Chairman Emeritus of Eastern Africa Grain Council and former Chairperson of the Rwanda Civil Society Platform.
2. Rashid Al Musalhi, GIS Specialist at Ankaa Space and Technologies.
Rashid presented a project focused on addressing the RPW (Red Palm Weevil) infestation. Using satellite imagery, the project aims to identify and assess the health of affected palm trees. This approach allows for the efficient analysis of large areas, detecting changes in vegetation patterns and pinpointing specific regions impacted by the infestation. The data obtained from satellite observations provides valuable insights into the extent of the infestation, enabling the prioritization of intervention efforts and the development of effective strategies to mitigate the spread of RPW in the region.
3. Dr. Nader Labib, Co-founder and CEO at Lyrasense
Lyrasense is on a mission to democratise EO application development. Their goal is to make it easier for businesses to integrate EO-data into their decision-making process and to fully leverage the vantage of space for their strategic business advantage.
4. Robert Barnes, VP EMEA at Myriota
Robert Barnes is a highly motivated, creative and strategic individual with 25 years experience in advanced technology and communication systems. Has worked at executive level, globally for semiconductor, enterprise, and IoT industries. Now VP EMEA at Myriota a low power satellite IoT network for global field intelligence. Providing global connectivity for sensors in applications such as water management, agriculture and Oil & Gas.
5. Abdulaziz Alsaeed, Global Business Development & Sales Manager at OQ Technology.
Abdulaziz Alsaeed possesses a meticulous approach to his work and has gained expertise in product management, business development, and process enhancement. Through effective communication and analytical thinking, he has successfully overseen the entire product life cycle within the oil and gas industry, fostering business expansion and ensuring utmost customer satisfaction. Alongside his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Abdulaziz is currently pursuing an MBA from Swiss Business School Zurich. His past accomplishments demonstrate a consistent delivery of results and the ability to streamline operations for organizational success.
6. Q&A Session
In conclusion, the “SpaceTech in Agriculture: Advancing Sustainability and Ensuring Food Security” webinar highlighted the profound impact of space technologies on the agriculture sector. Through innovative applications in AI, Earth Observation, and IoT, our speakers showcased practical solutions that not only boost agricultural efficiency but also enhance resilience against climate challenges. The insights shared underscore a promising future where space-driven advancements continue to play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture and global food security. We look forward to seeing these technologies further integrated into agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable and food-secure world.