Overview
The Advanced Fire Information System (AFIS) for Farmers is an innovative upgrade to UENR-EORIC’s fire detection infrastructure. It was developed to benefit Ghanaian farmers and frontline disaster response agencies directly. This project seeks to bridge the gap between wildfire detection and real-time alerts for rural communities, especially those most vulnerable to bushfire impacts.
Background
Bushfires are a recurring threat to Ghana’s agricultural productivity, natural resources, and rural livelihoods. Intensified by climate change, poor land-use practices, and inadequate early-warning mechanisms, wildfires continue to destroy farmlands, forests, and the economic gains of thousands of farmers each year.
In 2013, EORIC installed a satellite-based Earth Observation Ground Station under the Skills Development Fund (SDF). This station now provides monthly wildfire reports to agencies like the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). However, this information often does not reach the farmers who need it most, especially during off-farm hours or at night.
Project Goal
To develop and deploy a Ghana-based AFIS platform that provides farmers real-time bushfire alerts and weather information via SMS, voice calls (in English and local languages), and a mobile application. This will empower farmers to respond swiftly to fire threats and minimise loss.
Key Features & Components
- Integrating EORIC’s fire detection system with mobile telecom infrastructure (Vodafone, MTN).
- Real-time alerts via SMS, voice calls, and the AFIS smartphone app.
- Use of MODIS satellite data to detect and locate fires.
- Stakeholder collaboration with CSIR Meraka Institute (South Africa), GNFS, NADMO, and farmer associations.
- Roll out of fire alert dashboards at GNFS command centres.
Expected Deliverables
- Functional, mobile-integrated AFIS early warning system.
- Fire alert dashboards installed at GNFS command centres.
- Capacity-building for:
- 100 farmers (70 male, 30 female)
- Frontline responders (GNFS, NADMO, Forestry Commission)
- Strengthened national response systems for bushfire monitoring and mitigation.
Target Beneficiaries
- Farmers in high-risk fire zones (Eastern, Brong Ahafo, and Northern regions)
- Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS)
- Forestry Commission
- National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO)
- Local farmer associations and cooperatives
Partners & Collaborators
- CSIR Meraka Institute, South Africa
- Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS)
- NADMO
- Resource Management Support Centre (RMSC-FC)
- Asunafo Municipal Cocoa Farmers Association
- Afram Plains Development Organization
- Telecom Providers: MTN, Vodafone
- Farmerline Ghana