The launch ceremony of the pilot project on the use of drones in agricultural development projects took place from 10.00 to 12.00 on 26 July 2018 at the Ministry of Development and International Cooperation in Tunis, Tunisia.
It was attended by Tunisia’s Minister of Development and International Cooperation and Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Vice Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, and the Director General of the Regional Office of the African Development Bank for North Africa, also participated in the event.
The pilot project concerns the use of drones in the preparation, supervision and evaluation phases of agricultural development projects in the Sidi Bouzid region of central Tunisia will be financed by a grant from the Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC), administered by the African Development Bank.
Busan Techno Park, an agency affiliated with the Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea has proven experience in the development and use of drones for data collection and processing. Busan Techno Park will share their experience and know-how with Tunisia. Indeed, drones have been successfully tested by Busan Techno Park in the fields of urban project management (drinking water, cadaster, and road networks).
The introduction of drones in project management in Tunisia will enable data collection, including monitoring of agricultural production, biodiversity, effects of climate change and management of natural resources (land, vegetation cover, exploitation of agricultural land, water resources, etc.).
In addition, the broader perspective of accelerating the implementation of the High5 priorities of the African Development Bank by streamlining business processes related to the management of the development project cycles, and make them more efficient and effective. As part of the pilot project, more than 30 young Tunisians will benefit from training courses in the domains of drone use and maintenance.