Earth Observations For Tracking Multiple Shocks In Food Insecure Countries

Abstract:

In this presentation we highlight select, joint NASA-USAID activities that employ Earth Observations to track hydrologic extremes, locust, and crop production. We focus on Afghanistan where, from the Hindu Kush Mountains to the Registan desert, droughts, floods, conflict, and agricultural pests challenge livelihoods and food security. The capacity to monitor and forecast these conditions is critical for supporting decision making for regional institutions, international development, and humanitarian assistance.

Specifically, we describe routine hydrologic monitoring over Afghanistan with the FEWS NET Land Data Assimilation System (FLDAS), a custom instance of the NASA Land Information System Framework. We also describe how Earth Observations, particularly soil moisture, were used to track locust infestations across Afghanistan and broader Central Asia. Finally we describe how these and other factors, like conflict and COVID, have impacted food security outcomes. We'll conclude with an outlook for the 2020-2021 wet season.