Shopping for geospatial data products in the ‘supermarket of African spatial delights’

17 September 2018

During a lively session at Stockholm World Water Week, 12 organisations and start-ups pitched the latest versions of their geospatial data products. The session was convened jointly by AfriAlliance, G4AW and ViaWater.

Geospatial data products can provide many benefits for African stakeholders. For example, small holder farmers can obtain more precise water-related data of their fields, know when to irrigate their crops and when it is the best time to harvest, thereby increasing their efficiency and supporting their livelihood.

The session demonstrated that the providers of the water-related apps are expanding their information services to other areas as well. SNV developed an app called “Stamp” which also provided spatial geo data to cattle herders in Mali. Herders can use the app to localize areas with grass for their cattle to graze on. AfriAlliance not only co-convened this session, it also showcased its Triple Sensor approach, which combines inputs from satellites and in-situ station sensors with citizen observations on water and climate.

During the session, the attending organisations and start-ups presented their products in a ‘supermarket of African Spatial Delights’ where attendees could easily pick and choose the products of their choice, ‘paying’ with chocolate money. The dynamic nature of the session was very well received and provides inspiration for upcoming AfriAlliance knowledge brokerage events, such as the Innovation Bridge Events and the Roadshows.