Broader Perspectives on Digital Earth Africa. A follow-up study on the potential of Earth observation to address Africa’s critical challenges
Publication year
Resource type
UNCCD Library
We live on a planet that is continuously being recognised for having limited resources and overexploited ecosystems. Better information on our daily activities and the surroundings that host us can support mankind’s existence and help preserve natural habitats. Earth observation (EO) data is a unique source of reliable and measurable information to help
assess, mitigate and prevent negative outcomes, as well as explore new opportunities for social and economic development through improved efficiencies.
In 2021, Disal Consulting conducted research on the EO-based platform Digital Earth Africa (DE Af rica) and discovered that a socio-economic impact of USD 2 billion per year can be achieved in three key areas by 2024.1 The current
report seeks to investigate the untapped potential of EO technologies and specifically DE Africa, to impact an additional six industries on the continent of Africa. The analysis estimates that an overall socio-economic impact of approximately USD 540 million could be achieved per year while keeping the conservative assumption of a 10% application. DE Af rica deploys analysis-ready data (ARD) to facilitate more informed, strategic and inclusive information for
better stakeholder decision-making.
“The analysis estimates that an overall socio-economic impact of approximately USD 540 million could be achieved per year while keeping the conservative assumption of a 10% application.
Data is increasingly becoming the new soil from which businesses and economies can grow. Information accessibility and visualization are critical to unleashing the full potential of statistics and figures to bring tangible benefits to Africa. In this context, geospatial technologies can have a tremendous impact on socio-economic development, and Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa) provides a unique opportunity for African industry, policymakers and civil society to move forward in this direction.
The total response cost in Africa for droughts stands at USD 3.06 billion per year. With the cost savings of using ARC’s ARV tool and an estimated 10% contribution of EO to ARC, the total impact of EO results in cost savings of up to USD 235.6 million. Assuming a 10% adoption rate, the final contribution of EO to drought management would amount to USD 23.6 million per year, which is enough funding to construct over 780 deep wells with motorized pumps to serve 2.3 million residents. Droughts affect Africa more than any other continent, as 41% of the global droughts occur in the area.
assess, mitigate and prevent negative outcomes, as well as explore new opportunities for social and economic development through improved efficiencies.
In 2021, Disal Consulting conducted research on the EO-based platform Digital Earth Africa (DE Af rica) and discovered that a socio-economic impact of USD 2 billion per year can be achieved in three key areas by 2024.1 The current
report seeks to investigate the untapped potential of EO technologies and specifically DE Africa, to impact an additional six industries on the continent of Africa. The analysis estimates that an overall socio-economic impact of approximately USD 540 million could be achieved per year while keeping the conservative assumption of a 10% application. DE Af rica deploys analysis-ready data (ARD) to facilitate more informed, strategic and inclusive information for
better stakeholder decision-making.
“The analysis estimates that an overall socio-economic impact of approximately USD 540 million could be achieved per year while keeping the conservative assumption of a 10% application.
Data is increasingly becoming the new soil from which businesses and economies can grow. Information accessibility and visualization are critical to unleashing the full potential of statistics and figures to bring tangible benefits to Africa. In this context, geospatial technologies can have a tremendous impact on socio-economic development, and Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa) provides a unique opportunity for African industry, policymakers and civil society to move forward in this direction.
The total response cost in Africa for droughts stands at USD 3.06 billion per year. With the cost savings of using ARC’s ARV tool and an estimated 10% contribution of EO to ARC, the total impact of EO results in cost savings of up to USD 235.6 million. Assuming a 10% adoption rate, the final contribution of EO to drought management would amount to USD 23.6 million per year, which is enough funding to construct over 780 deep wells with motorized pumps to serve 2.3 million residents. Droughts affect Africa more than any other continent, as 41% of the global droughts occur in the area.
Keywords
Africa
ecosystems restoration
science and technology
space-based observations
climate change adaptation
drought
disaster risk reduction
socioeconomic factors
floods
facts and figures
renewable energy