Using GEO for Early Warning and Food Security in East Africa (GEOSAF)

GEOSAF researchers created short-term soil moisture forecasts using several crop growth and soil moisture models.

Overview

To improve upon the very basic in situ monitoring network for weather and climate data in East Africa, . GEOSAF project  researchers created  short-term soil moisture forecasts using several crop growth and soil moisture models (ECMWF, EPIC, ALADIN). The quality of the modeling data was determined using a variety of satellite observation products.

By measuring the quality of forecasts and the predictability of weather-related events, new insights can be gained into the ability of satellite-based applications to provide a more accurate early warnings of droughts, floods, and other severe weather events potentially threatening the East African region.

The influence of extreme weather events is severe in east Africa, in particular those related to flood and drought. These hinder sustained development in agriculture and increase the difficulty of maintaining efficient water management. Although weather cannot be changed or modified, better monitoring and forecasting on both short and seasonal timescales can significantly improve adaptation and mitigation strategies.  Such forecasting can also improve the planning and conducting of humanitarian relief operations.

IIASA Research

IIASA researchers developed a prototype early warning system to enhance existing bulletins with soil moisture information from satellites, seasonal meteorological forecasts, and crop yield predictions from the EPIC model for the Horn of Africa.

The project assessed the added value of soil moisture information and linked this to profiles of NDVI, FAPAR, and EVI. User requirements were driven by interviews with users of early warning information and a review of existing early warning bulletins.

An interactive tool for querying soil moisture and NDVI profiles at the pixel and sub-national administrative unit were developed for both the internet and for mobile platforms. 


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Last edited: 02 June 2014

CONTACT DETAILS

Steffen Fritz

Program Director and Principal Research Scholar Strategic Initiatives Program

Principal Research Scholar Novel Data Ecosystems for Sustainability Research Group - Advancing Systems Analysis Program

Linda See

Principal Research Scholar Novel Data Ecosystems for Sustainability Research Group - Advancing Systems Analysis Program

Timeframe

01.05.2012 - 31.10.2013

RESEARCH PARTNERS

Project Homepage

International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Schlossplatz 1, A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria
Phone: (+43 2236) 807 0 Fax:(+43 2236) 71 313