Internet and satellite data to help farmers in Ghana

Internet access and satellite data will strengthen the livelihood of farmers in Ghana and ensure digital inclusion and job creation while averting food crises. At the same time, Danish companies will get access to new markets, which promotes sustainable development.

With funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark through the Danida Market Development Partnerships program, a new partnership between the Danish company BLUETOWN, Ghana Meteorological Agency, and the humanitarian organization CARE Danmark will improve conditions for Ghanaian farmers.

Northern Ghana and its dry savannah represent the poorest part of the country. Over the last 30 years, the climate has changed significantly, and as the temperature increases, there is a reduction in rainfall. This particularly affects smallholder farmers who due to their traditional farming methods and crops that do not match the new climate are repeatedly struck by food crises and kept in poverty.

Based on satellite data, it is possible to provide Ghanaian farmers with accurate forecasts. These can include information about soil humidity or risks of crops in the fields drying up. The analyses reach the farmers through internet masts that the company BLUETOWN is specialized in. The vast majority of the population in Ghana generally do not have access to the internet, due to lack of devices as well as the prices for data. As part of the project, BLUETOWN will deploy its masts and LOCAL CLOUD solution that enable farmers to download the satellite analyses on their phones without having to use internet data.

The project is an example of how new technology and innovative partnerships can help the most vulnerable people in the world, while access to new markets is gained.