RESEARCH & INNOVATION
Even though practical training is required for this technology, it will yield major benefits for participants in a relatively short timeframe.
“Drones now allow us to easily collect data and map areas that were previously inaccessible and in safe and minimally invasive ways at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional surveys. When paired with spatial mapping and analysis software, [the system] allows for a real-time, comprehensive picture of our environment to support informed decision making,” Dr. Baldwin stated. “Teams can be trained in less than five days, not only learning how to fly safely but to use the technology to create 3D models of the environment as well as analyse and share the produced information in near realtime,” she continued. The specialist also shared that the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), simply referred to as drones, is both useful for soil and field analysis as well as agricultural disaster risk management. “UAS can also benefit agriculture in many of these countries through pre-response planning and disaster preparedness, post- disaster planning with mapping, impacts and damage assessments mitigation, among others.” O n offer is a comprehensive curriculum that includes UAS policy and commercial drone operations, agricultural mapping and monitoring surveys, as well as data processing, management and geospatial analysis using a participatory approach. Over the course of 12 weeks, the inaugural cohort was trained in the use of both DroneDeploy and ArcGIS Online web- based analysis tools to incrementally build their acquired knowledge and practical skills. The programme resulted in the implementation of large-scale agricultural monitoring sites (~1,775 acres within each of the two countries, namely Dominica and St. Lucia) and subsequent development of a variety of agricultural disaster risk case study applications by the drone teams. Dr. Baldwin noted the project is intended to increase resilience to the impacts of climate change and climate-related hazards through improved agriculture data collection and planning techniques. This will be accomplished by building technological skills to foster an environment of knowledge-sharing among national stakeholders and regional institutions, and enabling wide-spread communication, uptake and upscaling of viable agricultural disaster risk management practices and geospatial analysis workflows both nationally and regionally. Director of CERMES Dr. David Yawson expressed his support of the project adding that evolving technologies provide an
Dr. David Yawson Director of CERMES and Senior Lecturer, Environmental Management, The UWI, Cave Hill Campus
opportunity to mitigate risk and alleviate current and future sector challenges. “The agriculture sectors across the region consistently face pressure; whether pest, soil fertility issues, water stresses, natural disasters, or climate change. And the use of the drone technology can help stakeholders to fully understand how to increase efficiencies, margins, and returns on investments.” Joseph Weekes , Laboratory Technician with CERMES and lead pilot of the CERMES drone team, shared that he is keen to see the project develop beyond the initial two countries and expand throughout the Caribbean. “This project is very beneficial to the development of the region’s agriculture industries. Agriculture drones can be used to do anything from efficiently applying pesticides or fertilizers to optimising field management. The results include reduced operation costs, improved crop quality, and increased yield rate.” Weekes also called for more investment in remote-sensing technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency in the industry to reach the highest potential. “At this critical juncture in Caribbean agriculture, it is imperative that the region’s agriculture stakeholders embrace the technology available and effectively utilise it,” Weekes said. The use of drones has grown tremendously across various sectors, including military, insurance, real estate, security, and oil and gas. In the agricultural industry, the growth is expected to reach an estimated US$4.8 billion globally by 2024. From scouting to security, drone use has become more ubiquitous on large- and small-scale farms in a few short years. The procurement of drone technology and geospatial analysis software are expected to enhance precision agriculture in Caribbean SIDS. The project continues in the region this year, with training programmes scheduled for Grenada and St. Vincent. l
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