SDGs

2024 SPACE UNGANA Forum

The Omni Africa Space Research Education and Training Ungana (SPACE UNGANA), organised by the Space Futures Forum, will be held on-site and virtually between 20 and 30 July 2024 at All Nations University (Main Campus), Ghana.

The forum gathers academics, advocates, policymakers, technocrats and industry leaders interested in advancing African space development. SPACE UNGANA aims to explore opportunities and challenges in the space industry ecosystem and identify strategies for building capacity to advance the African Space Agenda and Africa Union (AU) 2063

Forum Themes

Building Foundational Capacity;
Space for the SDGs;
Space Settlement;
Space Tourism; and
Space Traffic Management.

Temidayo Oniosun, Managing Director, Space in Africa, will be speaking on Roundtable II– Business, Law & Policy Matters on Day 1 - Monday, July 22 at 03:00 - 04:30 PM GMT.

For more information, click here.

by Ayooluwa Adetola

Employing Space Technologies to Realise SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

The United Nations embraced a global call to action in 2015 to protect the environment with a comprehensive framework for global sustainable development. This motion birthed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of 17 interwoven global goals meticulously designed to balance social, economic, and environmentally sustainable development across the world by 2030.

The SDGs aim to be relevant to all nations – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the environment and tackling climate change. They have a strong focus on ending hunger, poverty, HIV/AIDS, and discrimination against women and disadvantaged populations in particular so that no one is left behind.

SDG - 12

The UN defines sustainable consumption and production to be about promoting resource and energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure. It also includes providing access to essential services, green and decent jobs and a better quality of life for all. Its implementation helps to achieve overall development plans. Furthermore, it will reduce future economic, environmental and social costs, strengthen economic competitiveness and reduce poverty.

SDG 12 calls for a comprehensive set of actions from businesses, policy-makers, researchers and consumers to adapt to sustainable practices. It envisions sustainable production and consumption based on advanced technological capacity, resource efficiency and reduced global waste. Realising economic growth and sustainable development requires promptly decreasing our ecological footprint by altering how we produce and consume goods and resources. Agriculture is the biggest user of water worldwide, and irrigation now claims close to 70% of all freshwater for human use.

Managing shared natural resources and toxic waste disposal are essential targets to achieve this goal. Encouraging industries, businesses, and consumers to recycle and reduce waste is equally necessary, supporting developing countries to move towards more sustainable consumption patterns by 2030. A large share of the world population is still consuming far too little to meet their basic needs. Halving the per capita of global food waste at the retailer and consumer levels is vital for creating more efficient production and supply chains. This can help with food security and shift us towards a more resource-efficient economy.

Here are the 11 targets for the 12th Sustainable Development Goal

Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries
By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources
By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil to minimise their adverse impacts on human health and the environment by 2030
By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse
Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle
Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities
By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production
Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
Rationalise inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and minimising the possible adverse effects on their development in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities

How space technologies can help to achieve SDG-12

According to The United Nations Office for Outer Space Activities, space can assist the realisation of SDG 12 through

Natural resources management
Food and dangerous goods traceability
Monitoring of endangered species trafficking and products of human slavery
Smart Agriculture by combining Earth observation, satellite telecommunications and Global Navigation Satellite Systems
Spin-offs of In-situ resources utilisation (ISRU), such 3d printing technologies to create structures in orbit, could have applications on Earth

In the Gambia, farmers are suffering from crop losses due to irregular rainfalls, soil erosion, degradation and sea-water intrusion from the Atlantic Ocean. To address these crop losses, The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Swiss Earth observation service provider, Sarmap, are leveraging radars on multiple satellites to map the entire country. The projects include observations from Japan’s ALOS satellite, the Cosmo-SkyMed mission, and ESA’s Envisat historical data.

Together with Sarmap, ESA supports the UN International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) by mapping the whole country using radars on multiple satellites. These include observations from Japan’s ALOS satellite, the Cosmo-SkyMed mission, and ESA’s Envisat historical data. Under these projects, IFAD and The Gambian government are focusing on poor, rural communities and their participation in local government. This also includes improving agricultural production while safeguarding the environment.

These activities can take Africa closer to sustainable consumption and production via satellite technology. Furthermore, ESA, Sarmap and IFAD are also working with the locals to build capacity. This involves educating field technicians on collecting crop information for validating space-based maps to ensure their accuracy. This ensures that the locals can ensure sustainable production of food.

XY Analytics South Africa has also developed a technology-enabled application that is transforming the food system in the country. They created a herd management tool that leverages geospatial data to monitor livestock’s health, movement, reproductive status, and location. This ensures effective monitoring of livestock to prevent avoidable their easily avoidable death. Steps like this ensure the sustainability of African livestock, and consequently, consumption.

Furthermore, Kenya is leveraging satellite data for natural resources management and monitoring its endangered wildlife. For example, the black rhino is now an endangered species in Kenya, with only 650 left out of 20,000. This is due to climate change, poaching and illegal hunting. Thus, Kenya uses satellite data to monitor weather and seasonal cycles and detect suitable grazing lands for the rhinos. The team responsible for the efforts utilises the Africa Regional Data Cube (ARDC) to look back over 20 years of satellite data. They use this to identify changes in rainfall and the vegetation state of the grazing land.

By leveraging the data cube, the team can observe and predict trends in vegetation conditions. This will help them identify suitable plots for the rhinos and develop grazing plans to prevent land decimation.

Geodata for Agriculture and Water (G4AW) also instituted a project - CROPMON - to develop and provide an affordable information service. The information provides farmers with information that helps them make better farm management decisions during the growing season. This improves the farmers’ crop productivity by ensuring that correct decisions are taken. The project provides information on:

The actual crop condition;
The most probable crop growth-limiting factor (climate, soil fertility, water supply, etc.) when crop development drops;
And advice on how to remedy or reduce the limiting factor by adjusting farm management.

Koolboks also intends to leverage geospatial applications to solve Africa’s food wastage problems. According to the company, over 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to electricity and refrigeration. Furthermore, when they have refrigeration, the cost of owning one is usually an uneasy task. To address this, Koolboks created an off-grid solar refrigerator that can generate refrigeration for up to four days. The solar generator can generate refrigeration in the absence of power, and even in limited sunlight. The initiative uses the IoT tech(Internet of things) for a GIS system. This makes it possible to monitor a refrigerator’s temperature from anywhere in the world. It also helps them determine the fridges’ location anywhere in the world.

by Joshua Faleti

Utilising Space Applications to Build Sustainable Cities and Communities -SDG 11

About 50% of the world population lives in cities and urban areas. Urbanisation has come to be one of the telltale signs of an industrialised economy, it’s the aftereffect of industrialisation in most parts of the world due to increased job opportunities and higher demands for labour. Thus, there is increased economic growth, improved education, mass migration and rising population, which lead to the creation of megacities. There is always a demand for new technologies, which in turn requires an educated workforce, attracting skilled workers to an area.

However, this also means that the rapid growth of cities leads to the rapid growth of slums, especially in developing countries. As a result, many people are living in overpopulated areas, squalid conditions and poorly-planned areas. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), there are about 33 megacities globally, and more than 828 million people live in slums. Thus, SDG 11 aims to create sustainable cities by developing business opportunities, building strong economies, investing in public safety in terms of safe and affordable housing, transportation and improved urban infrastructure.

SDG 11 Targets and Indicators

There are 10 targets and 15 indicators to measure the success of this SDG and determine where the world is at every point in time.

Targets

Safe and affordable housing;
Affordable and sustainable transportation;
Inclusive and sustainable urban development;
Protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage;
Reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters;
Reduce the environmental impacts of cities
Provide access to safe and inclusive public and green spaces;
Strong national and regional development planning;
Implement policies for inclusion, resource efficiency and disaster risk management; and
Support least developed countries in sustainable and resilience building.

Indicators

Urban population living in slums or inadequate housing;
Public transport access;
Sustainable urbanisation rates;
Urban planning management;
Protecting cultural heritage;
Deaths and injuries from natural disasters;
Economic losses from natural disasters;
Solid waste management;
Urban air pollution;
Open spaces in cities;
Safe spaces in cities;
Urban and regional planning;
Integrated disaster risk management;
Local disaster risk management; and
Financial aid to support least developed countries in sustainable and resilience building.

Role of space technology in building sustainable cities and communities

Going by the targets and indicators, there should be the infrastructure to build sustainable cities and communities to increase resilience to disasters, risk reduction, land mapping to manage diseases, public health emergencies, and make better urban development blueprints to improve living conditions. All of these can be easily achieved using space-related data. Thus, space technologies and data are fundamental for achieving the SDGs. Real-time data from any location on earth, including remote areas, go a long way in risk assessment and disaster management in instances of natural disasters or public health emergencies. They can help nudge favourable policy-making decisions and contribute to proactive measures to save lives and reduce economic losses. Furthermore, they are essential for tracking the progress of the SDGs.

Urban planning, to pinpoint structures and reference points for cadastral and urban planning purposes, smart cities through the application of Global Navigation Satellite Systems, EO and satellite telecommunications, air quality monitoring, disaster management, search and rescue operations, improvement of public services like waste management, public transportation, and climate change monitoring are only a few of the ways that space activities support SDG 11.

Achieving SDG 11 in Africa

Electricity Access: Electricity access is one of the many needs in a progressive and thriving society. Many cities in developing Africa have a recurrent problem of inadequate electricity. In the slums, this means that a large population of people could go several months or years without any electricity. A team of researchers analysed the precision with which satellite images showing night-time lights could be converted into spatially detailed maps of electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, using satellite data, the team was able to determine areas with proper electricity access and areas without. It could also measure light intensity, which could provide an accurate proxy for the amount of residential electricity consumption in a particular area. One of the significant issues associated with the energy problems in Africa is inadequate or inaccurate data concerning the energy situation, thereby making it difficult to track progress and make plans for expanding electricity infrastructure. Satellite data can help to identify regions that lack access to electricity to aid energy reforms in urban and remote areas.

Public Health: The Covid-19 pandemic shook the world. Many countries are still recovering from its effects, learning to adjust to and mitigate the crisis. Like any rapid-spreading disease, there was a need to employ space applications for land mapping to map out affected areas, track the spread of the virus, and determine hotbeds that need immediate and fast attention. For instance, using drones, GIS and artificial intelligence, OEA Consults, a Nigerian geospatial service and drone mapping company, was able to map, collect, analyse and visualise the spatial spread of the virus, track cases and integrate a live prediction model to predict the rate of transmission and case confirmation with an 8% accuracy.

Global positioning systems (GPS) were also used to track and monitor infected patients and transport medical supplies to remote areas. Africa has one of the lowest doctor-patient ratios in the world; thus, to cater to more affected people and mitigate the spread of the virus, Zipline, an American medical product delivery company, utilised drones to support deliveries to doctors in local clinics in Rwanda and Ghana.

Urban Planning: Satellite data helps to support, plan and monitor migration and mobility of people, either in the case of human migration between different areas of the world or mobility within urban centres and assist disaster planning and emergency response. Through satellite imagery data, mapping is one of the essential space applications for building sustainable cities. To aid any policymaking to rebuild or manage an urban area, there needs to be adequate data on how much area needs to be covered, accessibility of such regions and how to plan and execute the development of such areas for social, economic and environmental benefits. In the work towards urban management of African regions, Map Action, a Mali-based startup that specialises in geolocation, monitoring and data assessment for the environment, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and sustainable development using earth observation and drone monitoring, leveraging Airbus‘s OneAtlas platform to scale its technology solution.

Map Action has a mobile application that allows users to document and report environmental issues like water pollution and lousy waste management by taking photographs of the issues. This helps the appropriate bodies to get more data on areas that need work and improvement. More than this, the company also conducts an extensive analysis on the source and impact of documented environmental issues and avails the data for the appropriate public works agencies. Additionally, following the building of the sewage water treatment plant, in June 2020, the president of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El Sisi, advocated for the use of satellite data to detect illegal structures and demolish them to create more arable land for agriculture.

Likewise, to help put unmapped African regions on the map to help with urban development and disaster risk management, Ecopia Tech is using artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to map buildings, roads, forests and infrastructure in Tanzania, Gabon, Benin, Nigeria and Angola, amongst others to provide adequate data for policy-making. Furthermore, Africapolis contributes to the New Urban Agenda in Africa to make cities and human settlement inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable by providing policy-makers and researchers with a unique insight into the African urban landscape and a strong basis for the analyses and strategies needed to support sustainable and coordinated urban development.

Risk Response and Disaster Management: Centre for Space Science and Technology Education (CSSTE), one of the twelve consortia under the GMES and Africa program is creating a data repository that will be used to develop a flood monitoring and forecasting system for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) using earth observation data. The database can aid the identification of hotspots and the implementation of targeted interventions across affected countries. It can also assist in developing flood vulnerability maps using spatial layers of factors that may contribute to the occurrence of floods. Space technology applications have become an important element of local, regional and national disaster risk reduction strategies including the provision of emergency communications and tracking and tracing efforts during and after natural disasters and in complex humanitarian emergencies.

The sustainable development goals are collective global challenges. However, many nations and regions of the world are collectively working towards achieving all or most of these goals, and as previously established, employing space technology will get us there faster. Luckily, space technology and innovation have come a long way since humanity first ventured into that unknown frontier. Now, bodies like United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) and United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) are putting all their resources into utilising space technology for the SDGs.

Using the parameters listed above to track Africa’s progress, we can deduce that the continent still has a long way to go in utilising space for the SDGs. There are still a good number of non-space faring countries in the region, and space technology is still primarily underutilised in Africa. Moreover, it’s less than ten years to the end of the timeline allotted to the SDGs. So will Africa come close to meeting up?

by Ayooluwa Adetola

Leveraging Space Technologies to Achieve SDG 2 - Zero Hunger

In 2015, the United Nations embraced a global call to action to protect the environment with a robust framework for global sustainable development. This motion birthed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of 17 interwoven global goals carefully designed to balance social, economic, and environmentally sustainable development across the world by 2030.

The SDGs or Global goals were developed as a Post-2015 Development Agenda to improve the activities carried out in Millennium Development Goals, which ended in 2015. The global indicator framework for Sustainable Development Goals was developed by the Inter-Agency and Expert Group on SDG Indicators (IAEG-SDGs) and agreed upon at the 48th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission held in March 2017.

On July 6, 2017, the SDGs were made more actionable by a UN Resolution adopted by the General Assembly. The resolution identifies each goal and indicators that are used to measure progress toward each target. The timeline for each target is usually between 2020- 2030, while other targets are to continue in perpetuity.

SDG 2 - Zero Hunger

SDG 2 aims to end hunger, increase food security, end malnutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. This requires sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices, land use mapping, disaster management, and international cooperation on investments in infrastructure and technology to boost agricultural productivity.

The UN has since developed 14 indicators and eight targets to measure the progress of SDG 2, and these targets are then divided into the outcome targets and the methods of achieving the targets.

These methods include:

Enhancing international cooperation in rural infrastructure; a substantive increase in investment enhances agricultural productive capacity, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries.
Reforming and preventing trade restrictions in world agricultural markets; through the parallel elimination of all forms of agricultural export subsidies and all export measures with equivalent effect, following the mandate of the Doha Development Round.
Adopting measures to improve the food commodity markets and their derivatives and facilitate timely access to market information to help limit extreme food price volatility.

Hunger and malnutrition Scale in Africa

The World Bank estimates show that about 24.8% of Africans are malnourished, with 45% of people in sub-Saharan Africa living on less than USD 1.25 a day. This makes the sub-Saharan region the most impoverished area in the world.

The number of people dying from famine is increasing rapidly, particularly in the sub-Saharan region. Since 2010, Africa has been the most affected continent in the world. This is due to the numerous challenges facing the continent - economic challenges, drought, extreme weather, etc.

On the African continent, 257 million people are experiencing hunger, which is 20% of the entire population.

According to the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2020, three key indicators are used to calculate the GHI scores, ranging from 0-100. These indicators are; undernourishment, child underweight, and child mortality.

Chad has been a regular on the global Hunger Index since 2017. The ongoing effects of climate change in the country have contributed to widespread food insecurity, compounded by the influx of refugees from the conflict-torn Central African Republic, Nigeria and Sudan. At 44.7%, Chad’s undernourishment rate is the highest in this report, with a child stunting rate of 39.8%. This contributes to a mortality rate of about 12% of children under 5. This makes Chad one of the few countries in the world where more than 1 in 10 children dies before their fifth birthday.

Several African countries are not included in the GHI due to insufficient data to support their GHI scores. However, based on available data, it was estimated that the following countries would rank somewhere between Chad and Madagascar in terms of hunger levels: Niger, South Sudan. Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

How space technologies can help achieve the mandate of the SDG-2

In recent times, the adoption of Space-based technologies in precision agriculture has improved how farmers, agronomists, food manufacturers, and agricultural policymakers treat crops and manage fields to enhance production and profitability.

Crop Breeding

Space environment provides the means to uncover the hidden potential in crops, commonly referred to as space breeding. This involves combining agricultural sciences with astronautics. Seeds are sent into space via spacecraft. In the space environment, the seeds may undergo mutation, and after returning to Earth, mutated seeds are selected and planted to breed new varieties with overall improved qualities.

The joint venture between the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nation and the International Atomic Energy Agency (FAO/IAEA) Division of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture have ventured into some projects in this field.

The FAO/IAEA Mutant Variety Database documents the extensive use of mutation induction for crop improvement, including more than 3,346 officially released mutant varieties from 228 different plant species in more than 73 countries globally.

Also, over 1,000 mutant varieties of major staple crops - yam, rice, cassava, etc. cultivated on tens of millions of hectares enhance rural income, improve human nutrition and contribute to environmentally sustainable food security globally.

Furthermore, approximately 10kg of the Pokkali rice variety was sent into space by a Chinese spacecraft to observe heritable alterations in these seeds’ genetic framework and planting materials. These alterations were induced by the effects of cosmic rays, microgravity, and magnetic fields in space. Upon return to Earth, the seeds were planted in the greenhouse at the FAO/IAEA Agriculture and Biotechnology Laboratory in Seibersdorf, Austria, to evaluate viable seeds with overall improved quality.

Biodiversity and Desertification

Earth observation and characterization of agroecological zones is an essential asset for informing decision-makers. This is done by assessing the state of conservation of biodiversity for food and agriculture and estimating the health status of ecosystems, among other things.

Satellite imagery can also provide essential data used for quantifying and modelling biodiversity. Space technologies can also provide additional value by integrating images and mapping abilities into existing information systems on genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Weather Risk Management Facility, a joint initiative of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme, started a research project on the use of satellite data to show when crop stress occurs on smallholder farms.

Ultimately, this data could enable the broader adoption of weather index-based insurance for farming households that lose their crops to severe droughts and other extreme weather events. Unlike traditional crop insurance, weather index insurance eliminates the need to track individual farmers’ crop losses. It allows for timely assistance that can help boost the resilience of rural people affected by desertification. In addition, satellite imaging is an essential tool that drives the decision of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). They facilitate more effective action by providing reliable data about weather conditions and crop yields in regions at risk.

Drought

Drought, desertification and land degradation deprive people of food and water and force millions to leave their homes searching for greener pasture. The Drought Resilience Impact Platform (DRIP) helps prevent and minimize drought impacts on Ethiopia and Kenya’s local communities. It monitors the water supplies of three million people via sensors installed on groundwater pumps across hundreds of sites in both countries. The sensors alert the DRIP network if a pump is failing or needs routine maintenance. The DRIP team has developed models for groundwater demand using NASA Earth Observations satellite imagery, including data from satellite missions that use gravity to measure changes in water amounts on Earth’s surface.

The Energy and Tenure Division of FAO uses composite imagery from Meteorological Operational Satellite-Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer (METOP-AVHRR) to monitor agricultural areas with a high likelihood of drought.

Flood control

Many African countries have adopted space technologies to give early warnings regarding the regions within Africa, which are peculiarly powerless against seaside disintegration and flooding.

For example, the Space Climate Observatory has embarked on projects in lake Chad and Senegal to acquire more information and raise awareness among all concerned institutions of the impending dangers in the region. Data from satellites such as Copernicus, Sentinel 1, 2, 3, SPOT6-7, the Pleiades, and many others have helped achieve this.

Also, mapping floodplains and areas at risk of landslides with high-resolution satellite imagery and detailed elevation models can reduce the vulnerability or exposure of urban and rural populations across Africa.

Land-cover mapping

Land cover and land-use mapping help to break down the different types of material on the earth’s surface. This information is vital for understanding changes in land use, modelling climate change extent and impacts, conserving biodiversity, and managing natural resources. The European Space Agency’s Climate Change Initiative (CCI) Land Cover project developed a map using high-resolution imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2. The resulting data and maps of status and trends help decision-makers formulate policies for sustainable development in rural areas.

In-depth analysis of high-resolution satellite images improves real-time monitoring of crop vegetation indices for different fields and crops and identifies and monitors the dynamics of crop development. In addition to crop health, space-based applications provide inputs for comprehensive environmental and soil analysis. When these numerous techniques are compiled and integrated into decision-making models, specific agricultural interventions in particular field zones will improve.

Supplementary data- remotely sensed data is a critical component in the effective monitoring of agricultural production. Satellite imagery incorporated with field surveys allows the aggregation of areas planted and harvested during different crop seasons, and this earth observation data is now used to regularly monitor the crop season to improve productivity.

by Mustapha Iderawumi

Sierra Leone's First Space Symposium

A Sierra Leonean group called Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Development Society (STEADS) put together the first space science and astronomy event in Sierra Leone. The theme was tagged, "The impact of Space Science and Astronomy in Sierra Leone"

Space in Africa had a chat with the convener, Alimany Seray. Please find the details below.

I understand it was the first-ever symposium of this sort, what were your expectations before the event?

I was expecting us to create an environment where we can have students and young professionals that are interested in space and raise more awareness in space science and astronomy, because it is not a part of our educational curriculum as well as the benefits and promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), because, in Sierra Leone, we have low participation of students in these areas.

Did your expectations come to pass?

Yes, it did. We actually targeted 100 participants including students, young professionals and government officials, but we had about 120 participants for each day. Some government officials that use Space technology to solve societal problems were also present, including the Director for the Meteorological agency and the Director of Science education and a number of stakeholders which are the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Fourah Bay College University of Sierra Leone, Dean of Faculties i. e Engineering and Pure and Applied Sciences, Head of Departments and many more.

What were space activities like in Sierra Leone before the symposium?

We started raising space awareness in October 2019 when we celebrated the first world space week in Sierra Leone. We invited students and lecturers and the turn up was impressive. We wanted to take that momentum into 2020, but the pandemic disrupted our plans and we had to postpone to 2021. We also organised a series of webinars in 2020 for raising more awareness in space education while also making efforts to collaborate with other international organisations that can help us achieve our vision.

How do you project the impact of the symposium on space activities in Sierra Leone?

The aftermath would be coming to the realization that we don’t only need to use space technology, but also be enabled to create our own space technology. The publicity was massive across the country, we visited three national television and four radio stations respectively. This was the first of its kind in the history of STEM in Sierra Leone. The event was also broadcasted live. We have started walking the path, we are now ready for capacity building.

Just after the symposium, we got a call from the world cansat and rocketry championship, they said they needed to collaborate with us to organise a cansat competition in order to develop our capacity in these areas.

Is there any follow-up plan for the attendants?

Before the symposium, we had a plan to set up a STEM club in each of the participating schools. These schools will eventually be used as a case study. We had a total of ten schools, so we will be setting up ten STEM clubs for further engagements to mentor and train them in space science and astronomy. We will also be organizing a dark sky tourism event in each of the schools because we received some telescopes from the International office of Astronomy outreach (IAU), and I am currently serving as the National outreach coordinator (NOC). Apart from teaching them about space science and astronomy, we want to also be able to give them a first-hand experience.

One of the telescopes received from the IAU

In the course of the symposium, there was a competition, could you speak more about the details of the competition?

The competition made the symposium exceptional. Part of our planning included conducting a SWOT analysis and figured out what we needed to focus on. We worked with the IAU and SGAC to develop a handbook, which was used to conduct a one-month outreach program in the 10 schools and also made available to the students. The 17 sustainable development goals (SDG’s) were also captured in the handbook. Some questions were drawn out from the handbook.

How were you able to bring together this event?

Using my influence as the National point of contact (NPOC) for Sierra Leone at the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) and my affiliation with the IAU, I set up a student-based association. The engagements I got from the SGAC and IAU, I conveyed to the team and we work together to accomplish our goals. These two organisations were instrumental in fostering both technical and financial support. We had a number of sponsors like Africell and Rokel commercial bank. We also set up a gofundme account.

What is the next course of action?

We are currently working on the event report, which will be submitted to all our sponsors for future engagements as well as government institutions. Also when we have finished setting up the clubs, we will commence work on the cansat championship.

by David Oni

Earth Observation is Essential for Policy Development in Africa

Understanding Earth Observation and its diverse uses

According to the Group on Earth Observation (GEO), “Earth observation (EO) is the gathering of information about planet Earth’s physical, chemical and biological systems”.

“It involves monitoring and assessing the status of, and changes in, the natural and man-made environment. In recent years, Earth observation has become more and more sophisticated with the development of remote-sensing satellites and increasingly high-tech “in-situ” instruments. Today’s Earth observation instruments include floating buoys for monitoring ocean currents, temperature and salinity; land stations that record air quality and rainwater trends; sonar and radar for estimating fish and bird populations; seismic and Global Positioning System (GPS) stations; and over 60 high-tech environmental satellites that scan the Earth from space.”

As the world struggles with repeated challenges like climate change and global warming, air quality, territorial conflict, multilateral land disagreements, maintenance of natural resources, maintenance of manmade resources (like dams), and other challenges, EO data has become of prominent importance towards solving these challenges.

How big is this sector?

According to Euroconsult, global satellite-based Earth observation combined market potential was estimated at USD6 billion in 2020, and it is expected to reach USD15 billion by 2026.

Due to the high cost of running this sector of the space industry, top involvements in the sector is led by governments, with growing private sector involvement. As many as 34 governments have launched over 200 satellites for EO related activities.

The heavy involvement of governments means they fully understand the importance of EO and are using it accordingly. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United States NASA, the European Space Agency, the Global Observation of Forest and Land Cover Dynamics (GOFC-GOLD), and the academic community are at the forefront of an effort to integrate results of frontier research into better policy guidance using EO data. This is a lesson for Africa.

EO and Africa

The African Space Strategy outlines the importance of EO in development. The strategy mentions that “in countries where the failure of a harvest may mean the difference between bounty and starvation, satellites have helped planners manage scarce resources and head off potential disasters before insects could wipe out an entire crop. For example, in agricultural regions near the fringes of the Sahara desert, scientists used satellite images to predict where locust swarms were breeding and were able to prevent the locusts from swarming, thus saving large areas of cropland. Remote sensing data helps with the management of scarce resources by showing the best places to drill for water or oil. From space, one can easily see fires burning in the rain forests as trees are cleared for farms and roads. Remote sensing satellites have become a formidable tool against the destruction of the environment because they can systematically monitor large areas to assess the spread of pollution and other damage. Such monitoring capabilities are critical for the long-term sustainable use of the continent’s scarce resources.”

Despite this recognition, not all African countries are able to utilise EO data. Only eleven African countries have launched satellites, with 17 (out of 38) satellites being EO satellites. While African countries are focusing on sharing data towards regional development, there is still a long way to go in terms of EO development on the continent.

Why Africa needs EO in policy formulation

A Policy is a set of principles or guidelines that help governments, institutions and agencies to coordinate their activities in like manner, using data, information and resources to understand the gaps, available resources, and draw a roadmap for future engagement and resolution of such challenges. While the importance of EO has been stressed, policies hinging on EO data becomes difficult because the data is not available in the first place. While 29 African countries are members of the GEO towards benefitting from EO data, the number is low considering Africa’s 55 nation population.

The successful achievement of pacts, agreements, and deals bordering on sustainability such as the SDGs, Africa 2063 Agenda, and other such global agreements, rests on the unanimous execution of the set goals by all countries. Adequate policy formulation to providing sustainable solutions now involves using geospatial data with other traditional information to identify challenges.

The main fields of agricultural applications using EO data or EO-derived products (vegetation indices, land use maps, biophysical variables, etc.); From Tonneau et al. (2019).

Food scarcity, tracking biodiversity and wildlife trends, measuring land-use change (such as deforestation), monitoring and responding to disasters, including fires, floods, earthquakes and tsunamis, managing energy sources, freshwater supplies and agriculture, addressing emerging diseases and other health risks, predicting, adapting to and mitigating climate change are fundamental policy needs across the African continent.

Using EO data, governments can make policies that will provide rural payments and insurance products to farmers at low cost. Similarly, in Nigeria for instance, rising food insecurity has been traced to continued conflicts between herders and farmers. EO data can be used to map croplands, understand farming footprints to help government and private enterprises understand Nigeria’s agriculture economy. By mapping the footprints, governments will understand farming patterns across the country, locate cattle herder settlements and drive a friendly system for farmers and herders to thrive without having to clash over their produce. In Egypt, the country is using satellite data to spot illegal structures and solve housing problems. While early adopters like Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa are making progressions, there is still more to be done for the continent.

The cost of satellites is overwhelming for many African LDCs in the space industry, they can engage in data sharing with neighbouring countries to bridge the gap in data access.

Thus, more African countries need to adopt satellite data, through various means to enhance local policymaking. Sustainable policies in today’s world need strong data, and this can be provided through investment in EO.

by Space in Africa

Africa Needs Telemedicine to Overcome its Healthcare Challenges

Telemedicine is the provision of medical services to patients remotely when the doctors and patients are physically separated using the two-way voice and visual communication. Modern technology has enabled doctors to consult patients by the HIPAA compliant video conferencing tools powered by satellite tech. Consequently, Telemedicine is already playing a huge role in cost reduction in wellness.

In the past, providers struggled with compensation for telehealth services. In contrast, Telemedicine is providing grounds for technologies and solutions that will empower people to get diagnoses and treatment faster and more efficiently than ever. Intelligence and Machine Learning Models are helping diagnose skin cancer by mobile devices. Cologuard is assisting people in testing themselves for colon cancer and other diseases. The at-home genetic testing offered by 23andme is helping people take preventive action on life-threatening challenges.

An air ambulance compartment installed in a commercial airline by Flying Doctors.

Although Africa is behind in information and communication technologies infrastructure, the continent is participating in the race for good health. The Flying Doctors Healthcare Investment Company in Nigeria has healthcare technology companies in its portfolio that are worth an estimated $200 million. Flying Doctors partner with Arik Air, to build healthcare compartments in their planes to help cut evacuation costs. Following this model, patient transfers within the country save from about $20,000 to less than $2,000. Flying Doctors currently move about 20 patients every month. Flying Doctors ambulance services base has only 30% Nigerian clients, as the company also services Gabon, Central Africa Republic, Congo and Burkina Faso.

On the ground, Telemedicine is in place between 33 regional and university teaching hospitals in Nigeria. Mobile medical vans with ICT facilities interchange between hospitals to render services. The university doctors give instructions to their counterparts in other hospitals on how to carry out procedures. Nigeria is planning the replacement of mobile vans with fixed structures across university teaching hospitals to assist the exchange of information and expertise in medical education.

Similarly, Angola has been seen in the front line of Telemedicine in Africa, being the first region in the to have ten interconnected municipalities. Patients in rural areas of a province without specialised service get medical consultations without having to journey to urban areas. Telemedicine is within the framework of the Angola satellite (AngoSat) Project.

Telemedicine in South Africa had a rocky start, yet it promises to support the delivery of healthcare to rural regions of the country. Although at present, regulations don’t allow people-to-doctor conversation through telemedicine platforms, the dialogue between doctors in rural hospitals with specialist doctors in specialised hospitals would also help in better diagnosis and treatment.

With renewed interest in Telemedicine among academics, researchers, private enterprises and health professionals, South Africa has a promising future. Also, e-Health could be the most successful telemedicine type in South Africa, which has revolutionised healthcare in the country. With the mobile penetration rate in the country, the telemedicine market will record high growth in South Africa in future.

Furthermore, Ghana, It has been observed in various cases that a successful effort would require the indulgence of both the public and private sector. Also, the Novartis Foundation has sponsored investments in Telemedicine, such as the setting up of teleconsultation centres (TCCs). However, Government support is essential for the regular payments of the staff and the maintenance of the equipment.

mTrac uses SMS to help people in remote areas access medical aid.

Uganda is one of the under-developed countries in the world. To improve healthcare in the country, the government is making efforts towards embracing Telemedicine. mTrac is one of Uganda’s telemedicine projects, as Uganda continues to work towards attaining a sustainable medical solution to the challenge with health service delivery. mTrac works across mobile platforms, allowing access through non-internet-necessary services such as SMS.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus pandemic validates the need for Telemedicine to protect physicians and patients. Web conferencing features can also allow educators to continue handing practical medical training to students throughout the pandemic.

African governments need to acknowledge and embrace the multitude of opportunities open to them through Telemedicine. Telemedicine is an excellent tool for the management of infectious diseases, which is commonplace everywhere, but especially in Africa. Telemedicine could allow providers to triage patients, reducing the problem in Emergency Departments. Emergency care providers can ascertain which patients need immediate care or intervention of going to an urgent care clinic.

Sadly, Telemedicine in African countries encounters infrastructural hindrances such as electricity, internet access, and cellular network coverage. Most African countries rank poorly in terms of internet speed in the world. Moreover, the cost for virtual consultations is currently affordable only to persons in the middle and upper classes of African society. For instance, in Nigeria, 40% of the population lives below the poverty minimum, making telehealth services inaccessible to them. Likewise, governments must also develop the policies needed to guide the implementation of Telemedicine across Africa within the ethical confines of medical practice. Similarly, regulation of the scope of care, as well as the criteria for practitioners and facilities, are much needed. Importantly, policy, economic and infrastructural support needs to be put in place to reduce the cost of care.

Therefore, the derived support of telepathology technologies could be a significant milestone to complement African governments in the healthcare services for the ever-rising population against the available planned resources. Proper implementation of telepathology requires an improved motivation of healthcare service providers and enhanced awareness and skills training of pathologists, other medical cadres and professionals in other disciplines in computer and relevant information technologies to embrace eHealth skills, which include Telemedicine.

Furthermore, AUC space strategy implores member states to consider long-term strategic plans for the development and implementation of eHealth services which include Telemedicine. It also needs to call on governments to form national eHealth bodies to guide policy and strategy, data security, legal and ethical issues, as well as funding, monitoring and evaluations.

Finally, the AUC space strategy encourages member states to adopt local contexts eHealth policies that include the use of Telemedicine. They are also encouraged to inform policy by engaging stakeholders at all levels; communities, health professional, academic institutions and health administrators.

by Space in Africa

Africa Needs Telemedicine to Overcome its Healthcare Challenges

by Space in Africa

“Astronomy encourages us to look at our world and understand its processes” - Susan Murabana

The African space industry is made up of highly prolific innovators, scientists, engineers, educators, researchers and enthusiasts across other sectors. Since the industry started experiencing continuous growth in the late '90s, it has been pushed by phenomenal individuals. In this series, we are sharing the work of some of Africa's leading Women in the Space industry. Meet Susan Murabana.

In 2002, she concluded her undergraduate studies in Economics and later proceeded to have her masters in 2007.

She is the co-founder of Cosmos Education, Kenya where she served as the global treasurer. She worked as the Marketing Executive and Programmer of fourTell eAfrica Limited where she designed, implemented and maintained the website among other achievements. She was Kenya’s National Point of Contact for SGAC from 2008 to 2011. Later on, she became the public relations and marketing officer of Africa Astronomical society. Since 2008, she has worked as the Kenya country leader for Universe Awareness and presently the CEO and Co-founder of Travelling Telescope.

She introduced a research-based astronomy education curriculum into Kenya's secondary

schools via the Hands-on Universe program. She is also one of the four United Nations Space4women mentors from Africa. In this interview, we discuss her interests as an economist and space enthusiast.

You have a background in Economics, how did you transition to the space sector and what motivated you to?

Yes I have a degree in Economics and Sociology and while waiting to complete my final year - our university had a long holiday for about 3 months then - my uncle invited me to join a group of grad students from mainly the US and UK who were travelling across schools and villages in Africa teaching hands-on science using basic and readily available materials. I was so drawn to this work and immediately knew that I wanted to be part of the program, first because I always loved science and second because I enjoyed working with the youth. Cosmos Education, an educational NGO was the project that I volunteered for in my early twenties, I travelled within Africa in schools and villages teaching basic astronomy. I was inspired by the professors and grad students in the team and by the many young children I met during the trips. Mentorship is usually both ways and I learnt that early in my career. Travelling also taught me a lot about the continent and appreciating all people and their different cultures.

In your path as a professional in the space sector, your background in Economics has come in handy, how have you been able to juggle these proficiently?

Yes definitely, my Economics degree has come in handy especially now as the CEO of a company - The Travelling Telescope - obviously for me the idea of the role that science plays in sustainable development is a long term goal and drive and having the economics background makes me more aware about the role of science in sustainable development and development from within. In my day to day role, I have to manage proposals, budgets and market the business and these skills I feel have been acquired in my economics background.

You are the Co-founder of Travelling Telescope, can you tell us about this project?

The Travelling Telescope is a social enterprise focusing on astronomy education in an effort to promote STEM education. We know that the telescope has been around for more than 400 years and yet most people have not had a chance to look through one, we would like to change that. In addition to the telescope we have a portable planetarium and recently completed a fixed bamboo geodesic planetarium in the heart of Nairobi. We would like every school kid to have a lesson under the African night sky at least once in their lifetime. The addition of the planetarium, an immersive world, which we feel compliments the telescope experience, gives students the best of the astronomy education experience. We travel all over the country visiting schools and supporting teachers with our alternative tools - our portable telescope, mobile planetarium and robotics workshop. Our project focuses on three main areas, education - schools, Astro -tourism - lodges and hotels and engaging the public. So in addition to our travelling telescope, we have recently built a geodesic bamboo dome - and are currently making it a "COVID free" open-air learning space for the Nairobi audience. We are also the youth partners of Airbus Foundation and through this program have run a robotics program in schools for 3 years.

How is Travelling Telescope contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals?

SDG.4 - We work with schools and use astronomy as a tool to inspire children into STEM subjects, we provide a holistic approach, visualising the Earth as the floating biosphere seen from space

SDG 5 - We encourage an equal number of girls to join our projects as we do boys. I feel that I need to mentor young girls into science as there are not many women like me especially in Africa doing what I do

SDG 8 - We would like our next generation of leaders to understand the role of science and even if they do not become scientists they will make better-informed decisions, and invest more in science.

SDG 11 - Sustainability - Astronomy encourages us to not only look out and see other planets but also to look at our own world and understand its processes. One way we are demonstrating our approach to sustainability is through the way we have built our planetarium - a geodesic dome made entirely out of bamboo.

Are there projects that you have worked on over time, that are outliers in your career?

I volunteered for Cosmos Education in my 20s. This organisation worked in schools and villages across Africa teaching astronomy and other sciences. It was here, where I discovered my love for science and education and public outreach.

I joined the Rotary Club of Nairobi more than 10 years ago and I continue to volunteer as a member of the club. Being a Rotarian has connected me to humanitarian projects and the importance of integrity in my work and relationships. I was recently recognised as one of the United Nations Space for Women mentors where I mentor young girls and professionals.

You are an innovator, a creator, a trailblazer... you proved this many times and most importantly by introducing astronomy education into Kenyan secondary schools, how do you feel making all of these important contributions?

Wow, I feel that there is so much to do and so much opportunity in the space industry. I am excited at how fast things in the space industry in Africa are changing and how many amazing projects and people within the continent are playing a role in the development of the African space industry. I am humbled to have played a very small part in this, I hope I can continue to share the untapped resources Kenya has to offer with the rest of the world. Kenya has a growing large youth and they are hungry for opportunity, I hope that they can learn about the huge space industry waiting for them

What is the role of space education in the development of the space sector?

We need to first know about the space sector through education to be part of it. The western economies realised that investing in science education leads to the advancement of science and technology which are at the heart of sustainable development. Our mobile phones, electricity, cameras etc all stem from scientific research. CCDs on our phones have their beginnings from space exploration.

Are there times when you thought about leaving the space sector totally? What led to those times/how have you been able to navigate through stumbling blocks?

Yes, I have. I felt that the industry is a largely male-dominated field. Also, at the Travelling Telescope, we had limited capital, and there is still a lack of investment capital funding for ideas and projects. We have lots of ideas and if we could get access to investors that would enable us to do much more on a wider scale. Obviously the current pandemic has meant that we have had a drop in our business which has made it more difficult.

I see the opportunity in Kenya, we have dark unpolluted skies and we are right at the equator. This is a resource for the country. We have youths who are creative and are waiting for (an) opportunity, they inspire me to keep visiting schools. It is so inspiring when a young kid looks through the telescope for the first time and is so excited. Similarly, it is very exciting to see kids in a remote part of the country enter a planetarium and feel like they are actually travelling across the universe. The reaction from these kids in schools, their thirst to know more keeps me more motivated.

What limiting factors need to be eliminated in order to allow for more women to participate in the sector?

We need to eliminate gender prejudice, especially at schools and work. Our culture dictates that the role of a woman should be in a certain place and this can be sometimes carried on at her place of work.

You are the PRO of AfAs and the Kenya country leader of Universe awareness, how are these organisations contributing to the development of the African space sector?

Universe Awareness is an excellent program that targets very young kids engaging them in astronomy education in different ways. I think that when kids are introduced to the possibilities and limitlessness of space they can dream big and join the global vision to reach for the stars.

AfAS plays an important role in connecting all astronomers within the continent, mentoring young astronomers but also coordinating a continent-wide outreach effort that can engage more young children into STEM careers. I think this society is key in showing the beauty and brains of the African continent to the rest of the world, which creates a generation of young African who are proud of where they belong.

Introduction of Astronomy to the curriculum of secondary school students is a great step towards increasing participation in space. What advice do you have for individuals and organisations striving to make this same change in their countries in Africa?

You miss 100 % of the shots you don't take if you would like to start something, go for it... start. Take time to understand your audience and what you can offer them, be patient and persistent and be ready to fail, I think failing is a step towards winning. As long as you believe in what you would like to do, be confident and do it.