FAO's EOSTAT programme supports Cameroon in utilizing a Crop Yield Mapper

On March 26-27, FAO conducted a workshop in Cameroon to assist the country in modernizing agricultural statistics through the use of Earth observation and modelling.

This initiative, led by the FAO EOSTAT programme in collaboration with the FAO Data Lab, aims to enhance the accuracy, timeliness, and granularity of crop acreage and yield data and statistics. By leveraging these advanced technologies, the programme seeks to optimize field activities and reduce overall costs.

Under the expert guidance of the Michigan State University (MSU), the Government of Cameroon is undergoing specialized training and support. Specifically, the country is adopting an extended version of the EOSTAT Crop Mapper application. This tool enables precise mapping of crop distribution on a seasonal basis and empowers crop yield forecasting with high spatial resolution. The integration of the SALUS (Systems Approach to Land Use Sustainability) application, developed by MSU, further enhances the capabilities of this innovative system.

Participants from several national agencies, including MINADER (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), DESA (Agricultural Surveys and Statistics), INS (National Institute of Statistics of Cameroon), ONAAC (National Observatory on Climate Change) and IRAD (Institute of Agricultural Research for Development) attended the workshop. 

The collaboration is expected to bolster evidence-based agricultural policies in Cameroon, contributing to sustainable development and informed decision-making.