 |
|
Potential rain-dependent biomass production in Africa. |
One press of the button to reveal the potential biomass protection of a specific region. This will be possible with the ‘Opportunities Map’ being developed by scientists of Plant Research International together with LEI, Alterra and ISRIC.
Our scientists are using a world map subdivided into squares of 1/6 degree of longitude by 1/6 degree of latitude. For each square they have not only collected the largest possible amount of data on currently grown crops, soil conditions, amount of fertiliser used but also on factors such as infrastructure and loan facilities. They have correlated all these data. This enables estimation of the development possibilities of agriculture to be presented in the form of a map: the ‘Opportunities Map’.
Insight in trailing production levels
The map can be used in various ways. The amount of biomass that can be produced by a crop in a specific region can be visualised. The best chances for further development of agriculture in a region can be investigated as well, together with existing bottlenecks and possible solutions.
Besides pictures and figures the Opportunities Map is also presenting insight into the processes that are causing trailing production levels. Sometimes production is restricted by fertiliser shortage, sometimes by a poor infrastructure or poor soil (properties). The map also shows how the local population is making use of its natural resources and how efficient they are in utilising agricultural inputs. These types of data enable a better match of new investments with local conditions.
To