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What's Your Problem? · Thursday · 36 min

Using Satellites to Prevent Famines

Catherine Nakalembe is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland and the head of the Africa program at NASA Harvest, which uses satellite images to track agriculture around the world. Catherine’s problem is this: How do you predict when a famine is coming – and how do you convince leaders to act in time? In this episode, Catherine explains: How satellite data can predict crop failure months in advance Why phots can convince decision-makers faster than maps or statistics Why imaging systems developed for US farmland often don’t work in Africa Why a half-page memo moves food trucks faster than a scientific paper Connect with us: Follow Jacob Goldstein on LinkedIn, X and Instagram Email us at problem@pushkin.fm Follow Pushkin on Instagram, LinkedIn or X Listen to Jacob’s other show, Business History To listen to the show early and ad free, sign up for Pushkin+ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:00-36:38
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Catherine Nakalembe is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland and the head of the Africa program at NASA Harvest, which uses satellite images to track agriculture around the world. Catherine’s problem is this: How do you predict when a famine is coming – and how do you convince leaders to act in time?

In this episode, Catherine explains: 

  • How satellite data can predict crop failure months in advance
  • Why phots can convince decision-makers faster than maps or statistics
  • Why imaging systems developed for US farmland often don’t work in Africa
  • Why a half-page memo moves food trucks faster than a scientific paper

Connect with us:

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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