Emergency and resilience

Risks and disaster management 

Natural and human–induced hazards – including floods, droughts, wildfires, earthquakes, and conflicts – pose significant threats to global agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods. Climate change is intensifying these risks, increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

Disasters can cause prolonged agricultural declines, such as through droughts, or due to sudden devastation, such as floods and wildfires. In crises–affected areas, the impact extends beyond crop and livestock losses, as damaged infrastructure, disrupted supply chains, and restricted farmland access exacerbate food insecurity, economic instability and humanitarian challenges.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s Geospatial Unit leverages high–resolution satellite imagery, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud–based data processing to strengthen disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. Remote sensing enhances early warning systems and impact assessments, enabling data–driven decision–making and guiding effective interventions. In conflict zones, geospatial technologies are essential for assessing impacts and supporting emergency response by enabling timely actions and accurate damage assessments, even in remote or inaccessible areas.

In collaboration with other FAO units like the Office of Emergencies and Resilience (OER) and other United Nations (UN) agencies like the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), FAO’s Geospatial Unit integrates remote sensing, agricultural statistics, and socioeconomic indicators to analyse disaster and crisis impacts.

Beyond emergency response, FAO supports countries in developing disaster risk management (DRM) plans that incorporate risk mapping, vulnerability assessments, and yield forecasting. These plans strengthen resilience by integrating prevention, mitigation and preparedness strategies.

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