FAO, DA launch drones for disaster risk reduction

PAMPANGA, Philippines – Drones were launched yesterday to officially mark a joint undertaking by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to use the technology for disaster risk reduction in the agriculture sector.

FAO representative José Luis Fernández said the adoption of modern technologies in agriculture, such as the use of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles, can significantly enhance risk and damage assessments and revolutionize the way people prepare for and respond to disasters that affect the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen.

Fernandez said improved capabilities to generate timely and accurate data are becoming more vital amid climate change that is evident in stronger typhoons, flooding and drought.

He said drone missions can help gather necessary information that can support the preparation of early warning systems and advisories for farmers and fisherfolk, and even the government’s disaster response.

“With the use of a drone, a team of technical specialists can assess up to 600 hectares in one day, significantly accelerating the process of projecting the extent of damage that an incoming hazard may cause in agricultural areas, and quantifying actual damage after a disaster,” said Director Christopher Morales of the DA field operations service.

Aside from this, data generated from drone flights will also be useful in the design of agricultural infrastructure support projects as well as environmental monitoring.

The FAO-DA initiative includes the use of drones equipped with photogrammetric and navigation equipment to allow rapid and reliable assessments.

These will be operated by DA and FAO technical specialists, including agronomists, agricultural engineers, mapping and information technology specialists and data science experts.

“This initiative is a pivotal development that is fully aligned with our national strategy for disaster risk reduction and management for agriculture,” Morales said.

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world according to studies, but it is also one of the most advanced in shifting from reactive emergency response to proactive risk reduction.

FAO and DA earlier tested the drone-based methodology through a project funded by the European Commission Human Aid and Civil Protection Department, which aimed to facilitate the consolidation of capacities for disaster risk reduction in agriculture in Southeast Asia.