In the face of climate change, food insecurity, and deforestation, a silent revolution is unfolding in agriculture, powered by geospatial intelligence.
This advanced technology, which combines satellite imagery, spatial data, and artificial intelligence, is transforming how farmers, policymakers, and environmentalists approach food production.
Agriculture has long been a double-edged sword: essential for feeding the world’s growing population but also a major driver of deforestation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Expanding farmlands and cattle ranches have contributed significantly to the loss of forest cover, with agriculture responsible for roughly 20% of global GHG emissions. Now, geospatial intelligence is emerging as a critical tool to balance food production with environmental sustainability.
What is Geospatial Intelligence?
Geospatial intelligence involves analyzing satellite images, drone data, and other spatial information to map, measure, and monitor land use, vegetation cover, and environmental changes. It helps visualize how human activities; such as deforestation, urban expansion, and mining are reshaping landscapes.
The European Union already mandates the use of geospatial data to track commodities like coffee, cocoa, timber, cattle, and palm oil, ensuring that environmental impact assessments are data-driven. This growing reliance on geospatial tools is set to redefine global agricultural policies.
Transforming Agriculture with Satellite Eyes
According to a report by Deloitte, satellite-based remote sensing is one of the most effective ways to estimate GHG emissions from deforestation. By comparing images taken years apart, scientists can create Land-Use/Land-Cover (LULC) maps, which reveal how much forest has been converted into farmland. These techniques can be adapted to different scales, making them useful for both large agribusinesses and smallholder farmers.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been at the forefront of integrating geospatial intelligence into farming. Since 1957, more than 17,000 satellites have been launched, with nearly 3,000 new satellites added each year. The increasing precision of satellite data, combined with cloud-based applications, has made real-time agricultural monitoring more accessible than ever.
One of FAO’s landmark initiatives, the Hand-in-Hand Geospatial Platform, integrates over two million layers of open-access agricultural and environmental data. Another tool, SEPAL, helps users detect landscape changes in real-time using the Google Earth Engine platform. Meanwhile, WaPOR enables precise monitoring of water consumption in farmlands, optimizing resource use for more efficient irrigation.
Bridging the Gap Between Space and Smallholder Farmers
Despite its potential, access to geospatial intelligence remains a challenge, especially for small-scale farmers in developing countries. FAO’s latest report calls for stronger global cooperation to ensure that satellite data benefits all, not just large agricultural corporations. The report recommends:
– Increasing global capacity in satellite-based agricultural monitoring
– Enhancing international collaboration on agriculture-focused space missions
– Establishing a centralized UN procurement hub for satellite data to avoid duplication and increase accessibility
In Nigeria, the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation has recognized the power of geospatial technology in decision-making for agriculture, health, and security. Surveyor-General Mr. Abuduganiyu Adebomehin recently emphasized the role of spatial intelligence in improving food production and land management.
The integration of geospatial intelligence into agriculture is no longer a futuristic concept—it is happening now. With tools that can track deforestation, analyze soil moisture, and optimize irrigation, farmers can make smarter decisions that boost productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
