Under the visionary leadership of Pierre Lucas, Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Senegal, the use of cutting-edge drone technology has become a crucial part of WFP’s operations in Senegal and beyond. Pierre Lucas, a passionate advocate of drones and their potential to impact local and regional development, has driven forward WFP’s adoption of these technologies to strengthen resilience and support vulnerable communities across Africa.
In collaboration with Senegal Drone Academy, 11 agents from WFP Senegal recently completed a 3-day intensive training in photogrammetry and image analysis. The training builds on their certification as professional drone remote pilots, which took place in Kaolack in May 2024. These initiatives are not just about acquiring new skills; they mark the integration of drone technology into critical WFP programs. From analyzing plant cover and environmental mapping to diachronic monitoring and emergency response, drones are now vital tools for enhancing the reach and effectiveness of WFP’s work in Senegal.
Despite challenging weather conditions at the start of the training in Dakar, the WFP team successfully completed a field survey, capturing and analyzing 118 images. These efforts are part of WFP’s broader mission to help communities adapt to climate change and enhance resilience, all while supporting the most vulnerable populations in Senegal’s regions of Matam, Kaolack, Kolda, and Dakar. The benefits of this training extend far beyond the classroom, enabling teams on the ground to deepen their expertise and maximize the potential of drone technology for humanitarian and developmental programs.
Senegal Drone Academy’s Role and Vision
@olivier LEA
At the heart of this collaboration is Senegal Drone Academy, whose vision is to train and equip local talent with the skills necessary to harness drone technology for the greater good. In partnership with global leaders like @Global Drone Training (UK) and @WeRobotics through the @FlyingLabs network, Senegal Drone Academy is helping build a community of skilled drone operators who are able to respond to local challenges, contribute to economic development, and foster innovation in Africa.
By providing world-class drone training and certification, Senegal Drone Academy plays a key role in WFP’s strategy to leverage technology for sustainable development. These trainings are designed to integrate seamlessly into WFP’s programs, enabling faster, more accurate assessments and more efficient responses in the field.
A Joint Mission for Africa’s Development
@Team WFP Senegal
The partnership between WFP Senegal and Senegal Drone Academy is a testament to the power of technology in driving positive change. WFP’s global mission to save and change lives aligns perfectly with Senegal Drone Academy’s goal of empowering individuals through technology. By working together, they are not only responding to immediate humanitarian needs but also building long-term resilience and creating opportunities for sustainable development in Africa.
The success of this recent training highlights the potential of drone technology to revolutionize the way humanitarian work is carried out, making it more efficient, targeted, and impactful. As WFP continues to integrate drones into their operations, the possibilities for future applications in logistics, environmental monitoring, and emergency response are boundless.
Together, Senegal Drone Academy and WFP are at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that technology serves as a force for good, helping to save and improve lives across the continent. Niofar – together, we can change lives.
A Vision for Drone Technology Empowerment
Pierre Lucas’ vision goes beyond just using drones in day-to-day operations. His long-term ambition is to create a thriving drone and data ecosystem in Senegal and, ultimately, across West Africa. During early meetings with local drone and data leaders, he expressed a commitment to leveraging the power of this technology to boost local capacities and foster development in the region.
Looking Ahead “Revamping the Drone and Data Ecosystem in Senegal”
This initial training marks the beginning of a long-term initiative to revamp the drone and data ecosystem in Senegal and beyond. With the leadership of Pierre Lucas and the expertise of Senegal Drone Academy, the future of drone technology in Africa looks promising. The collaboration is poised to impact not only WFP’s operations but also the broader development landscape across the region.
The success of this training highlights how innovative technologies like drones can reshape the way we address the challenges of climate change, resilience, and sustainable development. As we continue to explore these possibilities, partnerships like the one between WFP Senegal and Senegal Drone Academy will lead the charge in bringing life-saving and life-changing solutions to those who need them most.
Our appreciation to to @Jean Claude Atassa LAOUWAYI @WFP (Regional IT Infrastructure & Services Manager & Regional UAS/Drone Operations Coordinator)
@MatyDIANKHA Head of Drone and Data @KRANTH SARL (Senegal Flying Labs)
For more details, check out the LinkedIn post from Pierre Lucas, WFP Senegal Country Director: link