Rwanda’s Satellite aiding Farmers to take informed decisions
Nearly two years ago, Rwanda, in partnership with Japan, launched its first satellite, Rwasat-1 that sends information to ground stations, which Agriculture institutions utilize to make informed decisions in the prediction of crop yields as well as soil moisture monitoring.
The spacecraft, launched on September 25, 2019, is equipped with a small sensor that is capable of measuring the amount of water in the ground, temperature, humidity and other weather-related measurements, which are photographed by cameras and then sent.
The images on Earth show what people themselves cannot see because they are so close to the ground, just like you can’t see what an artist is painting on the wall when you are close to them, but you can go far and see them clearly.
Rwanda’s Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, said that since the launch of RWASAT 1, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry has been able to release accurate data thus making farmers to take informed decisions in terms of agriculture.
However, Minister Paula added RWASAT data go hand in hand with other information coming from other technologies.
RWASAT is 30cm long and 10cm wide, weighing 3.8kg. Like other spacecraft, it lasts in space for between two and three years, and is replaced by others to continue to provide reliable information.
Rwanda continues to be an innovative nation that can inspire other African countries.
In March 2021, the Rwandan Parliament passed a law establishing the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) where it is expected to assist Rwanda in the implementation of new space and technology development programs in promoting security, urban planning, agriculture, mining and environmental protection.
