The KijaniSpace project has unveiled the design specifications (Report D3.1) for the KijaniBox, also known as the SpaceloTBox — a new solution for climate-smart agriculture in Africa.
This key platform aims to empower smallholder farmers by integrating Earth Observation (EO) data from the Copernicus programme with Internet of Things (IoT) and AI-based technologies.
The KijaniBox acts as an integrated decision support system, offering a unified API that federates data from major sources, including Copernicus, GEOSS/AfriGEO, and African EO platforms. Its services provide field management zoning, local forecast downscaling, and advisory tools for agriculture and fisheries.
The initiative is designed to enhance climate-smart practices, fostering sustainable economic growth and green job creation. A comprehensive training program is also planned to equip end-users with the necessary skills for precision-farming workflows.
The KijaniBox design specification (Report D3.1) connects directly to major policy objectives across global, continental (AU), and regional (EU) levels, specifically targeting the intersection of sustainable agriculture, digital transformation, and climate resilience.
EU Policy Frameworks
- EU Green Deal Objectives: By promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and sustainable practices, the KijaniBox contributes to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and the reduction of agriculture’s environmental footprint, consistent with the Green Deal’s global aims.
- EU Copernicus Programme: The platform is explicitly built to integrate and federate data from the Copernicus missions (Earth Observation), ensuring this free and open EO data is transformed into actionable, localized intelligence for African end-users.
EU-AU Partnership Policy Frameworks
- EU-AU Joint Vision (2030) / Global Gateway Strategy: The project is funded by Horizon Europe (EU R&I program) and directly supports the joint vision for a “green transition” and “digital transition” in Africa through strategic investment in connectivity and space technologies (Copernicus).
African Union Policy Frameworks
- AU Digital Transformation Strategy (2020-2030): The SpaceIoTBox is a digital data-based solution that integrates IoT and AI to bridge the digital divide in rural farming, making high-tech information accessible to support development.
- AU Agenda 2063: Aspiration 1, Goal 5: Modern Agriculture: It aligns with the goal of achieving modern agriculture for increased productivity. By leveraging IoT and AI, it drives the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) revolution in the African agricultural sector.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: The KijaniBox provides decision support systems (advisory tools, local forecast downscaling) to smallholder farmers, directly contributing to increased agricultural productivity and food security.
- SDG 13 – Climate Action: The platform’s core mission is Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). It uses Earth Observation (EO) and GeoAI to help farmers adapt to climate change and build climate resilience.
