Leveraging Geospatial Data to Enhance Crop Production in Kenya

Abstract

With the growing availability and accessibility of geospatial data, its application across various sectors has also expanded. The agricultural sector has not been left behind, experiencing improvements in areas such as crop monitoring, climate and weather forecasting for better planning, farm management practices, yield and production estimation, and even post-harvest planning. However, a significant challenge remains in delivering relevant information to farmers. While the production of geospatial data and information has advanced, the ability to understand, interpret, and effectively use this data requires specific knowledge and skills, which are often lacking. Extension officers, who serve as the key link to farmers, play a critical role in ensuring that not only is the information shared, but that farmers also understand and utilize it properly. Two prior studies on the availability and use of geospatial data for crop production informed the design of this research. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the positive outcomes of using geospatial data and related information in crop production by small-scale farmers. Conducted in the Vihiga and Kilifi Counties of Kenya, the study utilized participatory methods involving both farmers and extension officers to define the metrics for successful crop production outcomes. These metrics were used to design a baseline and final survey to assess changes in production attributed to the shared geospatial data and information. The results were encouraging, showing significant positive outcomes from the study.