CNN’s Connecting Africa explores Nairobi’s role as a technology and research hub to combat drought

Known as the Silicon Savannah, Nairobi is fast becoming as key player in the international tech sector. Technologies picking up traction in the capital are helping to boost several key areas, including trade opportunities and alleviating the consequences of climate change in some of the continent’s driest regions. Guyo Malicha Roba, head of the Jameel Observatory, a research and early action platform led by the University of Edinburgh that uses data and evidence to prepare and act on climatic shocks, highlights the role of technology to mitigate the effects of droughts and food shortages across the Horn of Africa. According to Guyo, new technologies have transformed research for drought preparedness and action through forecasting and scenario-planning based on changing weather patterns. Technologies such as remote observation and artificial intelligence prove especially useful in drought contexts where data collection is difficult, such as Somalia.