Memo on the need to build an African regional geographic database

Abstract

Reliable and timely geographic information empowers the user to better document current conditions and to monitor what is happening; to draw from past experience so as to improve on future performances, and; to establish linkages and balance between economic, environmental and social capital in order to improve upon the basis for societal response. There is availability of satellite and other geographic data in many African countries but the capacity to absorb and process the data into useful information is not there. However, in the last few decades, the world has seen major changes and advances in spatial data systems and technologies. A range of powerful technologies has been developed, technologies that can become real tools in furthering environmental and human development objectives. The nail realization of their benefits requires large financial investments to acquire the technologies and to develop high level skills, capitals that African countries lack.