Extended Satellite Crop Monitoring in Response to the Global Food Crisis

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) is a decision support system sponsored by the Office of Food for Peace of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).  FEWS NET identifies the times and places where aid is required by the most food insecure populations of the developing world.  The livelihood systems of these populations are, to a great extent, based on subsistence agriculture and pastoralism, and are highly climate sensitive.  Since station networks are sparse in the countries monitored, FEWS NET has a tradition (dating to 1985) of reliance on satellite observations to support the food security assessment activities of analysts in Africa, Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean.  Vegetation, rainfall, snow pack, and evapotranspiration are monitored for rainfed and irrigated crop lands in selected countries of the developing world.  Identification of anomalies in plant vigor and/or water availability at key places and times of the year enable early detection of agricultural drought.  Interpreting these anomalies with an understanding of livelihood systems, while applying a convergence of evidence analytical approach, can significantly reduce ambiguity that might inhibit a decision to commit aid resources.   Examples from Central America, Africa, and Afghanistan will be reviewed and highlighted.  As a consequence of the alarming spike in global food prices in 2008, food insecurity has become a potential threat in a many more countries than traditionally monitored by FEWS NET.  Thirty to fifty additional countries have been identified for monitoring of crop growing conditions. It will not be possible to establish in-country offices with resident food security analysts (the current practice) in so many new places.  Satellite monitoring will therefore take on increased importance, as input to a system designed to detect the first indication of adverse agricultural outcomes in a highly automated fashion.  Upon detection, human analysts will follow up with direct examination of data and information to assess the situation. During 2009 and 2010, USGS, NOAA, and NASA are establishing expedited procedures for processing of satellite data and model runs, and web delivery of results.  The components of this new system will be described, and progress to date reported.