The publication “Leveraging Space Technology for Agricultural Development and Food Security” was produced by FAO and UNOOSA in response to the ongoing dialogue within the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). It underscores the transformative potential of space technologies in enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security amid global challenges. The document advocates for collaborative approaches that integrate advanced technologies while addressing associated risks, particularly space debris. It is structured into three segments: the upstream segment focuses on developing vital space infrastructure, highlighting pivotal Earth observation missions like Landsat and Copernicus, which provide crucial data for precision farming; the midstream segment addresses the importance of data management and spatial data infrastructure (SDI), emphasizing frameworks like the UN-IGIF for improving data accessibility and quality; finally, the downstream segment discusses practical applications of satellite data in agriculture monitoring and management, showcasing platforms such as the FAO Hand-in-Hand Geospatial Platform to facilitate information exchange. This publication aims to foster partnerships between the agricultural and space sectors, further promoting sustainable development in alignment with the 2030 Agenda. This publication serves as a vital resource for stakeholders looking to harness space technologies for sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced food security globally.
