World Food Day: How can data science and modelling help smallholders adapt to climate change?
Data science and modelling are relatively new concepts when it comes to farming. For centuries, smallholders have carefully passed down agricultural skills from generation to generation. They depended on this knowledge. And stable seasons and weather meant this information remained relevant for years.
Data and farming innovations aid crop pest risk prediction and management in low income countries
Novel Solutions in the form of pest risk alert systems now present a unique opportunity for low income countries to better predict, prevent and manage pests that are estimated to cause between 20%-40% crop losses annually, threatening the food security of millions. This has been highlighted in a United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) 2021…
The persistent threat of emerging plant disease pandemics to global food security
Global plant disease outbreaks are increasing, threatening the food security of vulnerable people in many parts of the world, writes Wayne Coles, PR Manager, CABI. A nutritious and stable food supply can help lift them out of poverty and improve their health. However, the spread of plant diseases, exacerbated by climate change and the global…
Five, four, three, two, one – blast off! Students keep their eyes on the radiosonde launch at the Kenya Meteorology Department, Nairobi
Around 250 students from the University of Nairobi, Manguo Secondary School and Visa Oshwal Primary School were part of a 400-strong crowd that gathered to witness the launch of a radiosonde packed with gadgetry as part of the UK Space Agency-funded* CABI-led Pest Risk Information Service (PRISE). The students literally had their eyes on the…
Plant clinics, pests and pads of paper
“We’ve arrived everyone. Off the bus”. Ten journalists, myself and five other CABI staff disembark eager to write our own stories on this, a landmark day, for one of CABI’s latest projects – the Pest Risk Information SErvice (PRISE). PRISE, led by CABI and funded by the UK Space Agency’s International Partnership Programme (IPP), uses…