Sudan emergency and recovery information and surveillance system (SERISS) -- remote sensing project : final report

The Regional Centre for Services in Surveying Mapping and Remote Sensing (RCSSMRS) in Nairobi, Kenya, was the primary implementor of the project. The report covers the period 6/86-3/87. Overall, project activities were very successful. An area sampling frame (ASF) was established in an exceptionally short time under the direction of a statistical consultant. Sample selection and ground surveys were carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and Khartoum"s National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC) staff, and the results analysed by MOA statisticians. Aerial surveys were carried out by the Sudan Survey Department. Although some refinement of the ASF is necessary in Western Sudan, overall survey results have an objective and technically sound probability sample design. The MOA was able to use these results for this season"s crop assessment and crop yield forecasting activities. USAID/S and RCSSMRS collaborated to define commodities required to establish and equip a color photographic laboratory for processing copies of satellite images for the NRSC. Construction of the laboratory is completed and much of the equipment is installed and working. Eight pick-up trucks procured for field workers have been in active use throughout the project. Computer systems for satellite image processing and geographic information system (GIS) development were installed and are operating in the NRSC, the MOA, and RCSSMRS. The GIS will be brought into full operation as staff time becomes available after completion of survey activities and data reporting. It was recommended that the timeliness of crop estimates be improved through expanding the field staff and resources and improving the survey organization. The ASF should also be refined for traditional agriculture, and be used for studying other natural resources such as forestry, rangeland, and hydrology. In-country and overseas training should be provided to MOA statisticians, computer operators, and survey management.