Kenya to Use Satellite Communications to Enhance Agricultural Resilience


Kenya is turning to satellite communications (satcoms) as a critical tool in its strategy

to strengthen agricultural resilience in the face of climate change and food insecurity.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with local and

international tech and space agencies, aims to provide farmers with real-time data on

weather patterns, soil health, crop monitoring, and pest outbreaks — all through

accessible, satellite-based platforms.

The move comes as Kenyan farmers, particularly smallholders who make up over

70% of the country’s agricultural workforce, grapple with increasing unpredictability

caused by climate-related challenges. These include prolonged droughts, erratic

rainfall, desert locust invasions, and extreme temperatures — all of which threaten

food security and livelihoods.

Bridging the Information Gap

One of the core goals of the satcom initiative is to bridge the information gap between

farmers and the data they need to make informed decisions. By leveraging satellite

technologies, farmers will be able to access tailored advisory services via mobile

phones or local extension officers. This includes early warning systems for drought

and floods, crop suitability maps, market prices, and seasonal forecasts.

The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) and partners like the African Union’s GMES &

Africa program and the European Space Agency (ESA) are supporting the integration

of remote sensing and geospatial technologies into national agriculture strategies.

These technologies allow for continuous monitoring of large agricultural areas,

detecting signs of stress or potential outbreaks before they become visible to the

naked eye.

Real-Time Monitoring and Early Warning Systems

Using satellite imagery and remote sensing, agricultural planners can now track crop

performance, assess drought risk, and detect emerging pest infestations — all in near-

real-time. For instance, satellite data can pinpoint dry patches or signs of disease on

maize fields in western Kenya or tea plantations in the central highlands, enabling

rapid intervention.

Moreover, Kenya is developing a centralized data platform that combines satellite

information with local weather station data. This integration will allow government

agencies and NGOs to issue early warnings to farmers via SMS or radio, giving them

enough time to take protective measures.

Improving Resource Allocation

Satellite communication also plays a role in enhancing how government and aid

agencies allocate resources. Instead of relying solely on ground surveys, which can be

time-consuming and inaccurate, satellite data provides up-to-date maps of crop


conditions, drought hotspots, and at-risk regions. This allows more effective

distribution of relief supplies, seed inputs, and insurance payouts.

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is working

to interpret satellite data into practical recommendations for farmers, such as optimal

planting times, irrigation needs, or when to apply fertilizer. These insights are crucial

in maximizing productivity while reducing waste and environmental impact.

Building Climate Resilience for the Future

Incorporating satcoms into agriculture not only addresses current vulnerabilities but

also builds long-term climate resilience. Kenya’s efforts are aligned with its National

Climate Change Action Plan and the African Union’s agenda to harness digital

innovation for sustainable development.

By investing in satellite communications and data-driven agriculture, Kenya is

positioning itself as a regional leader in climate-smart farming. With the right

partnerships and continued training for farmers, satellite technology could become a

game-changer in ensuring food security and economic stability across the country.

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