Using geospatial technology to strengthen data systems in developing countries: the case of agricultural statistics in India

Abstract

Despite significant progress in the development of quantitative geography techniques and methods and ageneral recognition of the need to improve the quality of geographic data, few studies have exploited thepotential of geospatial tools to augment the quality of available data methods in developing countries.This paper uses data from an extensive deployment of geospatial technology in India to compare cropareas estimated using geospatial technology to crop areas estimated by conventional methods and assessthe differences between the methods. The results presented here show that crop area estimates based ongeospatial technology generally exceed the estimates obtained using conventional methods. This sug-gests that conventional methods are unable to respond quickly to changes in cropping patterns andtherefore do not accurately record the area under high-value cash crops. Thisfinding has wider impli-cations for commercializing agriculture and the delivery of farm credit and insurance services indeveloping countries. Significant data errors found in the conventional methods could affect criticalpolicy interventions such as planning for food security. Some research and policy implications arediscussed