Senegal Drone Academy and WFP Senegal Join Hands for Development

Under the leadership of Pierre Lucas, Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Senegal, the use of 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 three-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 training will enable teams on the ground to deepen their expertise and maximize the potential of drone technology for humanitarian and developmental programs.

Senegal Drone Academy’s 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), WeRobotics, and the Flying Labs Network, Senegal Drone Academy is helping to 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.

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 promote development in 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 this will lead the charge in bringing life-saving and life-changing solutions to those who need them most.

Our appreciation to Maty DIANKHA, 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.