Satellite-based Monitoring to Enable West African Countries to Achieve Agriculture Resilience: ANSO Cropwatch Workshop Held in Abuja, Nigeria

ANSO Secretariat

04 07, 2025

An ANSO-sponsored workshop entitled “Empowering Agriculture Extension Workers for Food Security: The Role of CropWatch ICP in Enabling Agricultural Monitoring and Stabilizing Food Productivity in West Africa” was successfully held in Abuja, Nigeria, from 1-3 July 2025. Co-hosted by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) of Nigeria and the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (AIRCAS), this event represented the first significant undertaking after the official launch of the CropWatch Regional Center for West Africa, which further strengthens regional cooperation in satellite-based agricultural monitoring.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Rakiya Babamaaji, Deputy Director of the Department of Strategic Space Applications of NASRDA, emphasized the critical role of agriculture in West Africa, where livelihoods depend heavily on farming. She emphasized how CropWatch’s advanced monitoring technology could empower agricultural extension workers, the vital bridge between research and rural farmers, to promote the adoption of climate-smart, sustainable, and productivity-enhancing agrarian techniques. Dr. Zhang Shizhuan, Deputy Executive Director of the ANSO Secretariat, outlined ANSO’s mission to promote science and technology for sustainable development, citing CropWatch as a transformative tool for food security. Prof. Wu Bingfang, leader of the CropWatch team, provided an overview of the system, showcasing its applications in improving agricultural decision-making. Prof. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, Director General/Chief Executive of NASRDA, represented by Dr. Abayomi Taofik Alaga, Director of the Mission Planning and Data Management Department, pledged to expedite the full operationalization of the CropWatch-ICP West Africa Regional Center. This initiative will equip West African nations with the CropWatch platform, enabling data-driven decision-making to enhance livelihoods and foster sustainable food systems in the region.

Throughout the workshop, more than 80 participants from China, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Benin, and other West African nations engaged in in-depth discussions on the CropWatch system, shared case studies, and developed actionable plans for regional collaboration. Hands-on sessions equipped researchers, technicians from the agriculture sector, water sector, economic sectors, and agriculture extension workers with the skills to leverage satellite data for near-real-time crop monitoring, yield prediction, and food insecurity early warning.

The workshop concluded with a strong commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and scale up the adoption of CropWatch technology across West Africa. By harnessing cutting-edge satellite analytics, the region is poised to enhance food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring a more stable and prosperous future for its people.

This initiative underscores the power of international cooperation and innovation in addressing global challenges, setting a precedent for science-driven agricultural development in Africa and beyond.