A standardized global approach to assess crop productivity using Earth Observations Big Data

De Simone, L.; Fahad, M.; de la O Campos, A.P.; Cabrera Cevallos, C.E.; Ondieki, V.;

A standardized global approach to assess crop productivity using Earth Observations Big Data

Development of a global Crop Potential Productivity Index using Earth Observation Big Data and FAO’s Crop Ecological Requirements Database

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 62 p.

Author De Simone, L.; Fahad, M.; de la O Campos, A.P.; Cabrera Cevallos, C.E.; Ondieki, V.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (series)

ISBN 978-92-5-139903-3

Series title FAO Agricultural Development Economics Working Paper

Series number No. 25-05

Full item page

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd5796en

Synopsis (short abstract) This working paper introduces the Crop Potential Productivity Index (CropPI), a global index that integrates Earth Observation Big Data with FAO’s Crop Requirements Database to assess the potential productivity of key staple crops (maize, wheat, and rice). The index combines climate, water availability, and soil parameters into a high-resolution (250m) spatial indicator and includes a penalization strategy for seasonal stressors. CropPI has been tested in 11 African countries and validated against Net Primary Productivity (NPP), DSSAT-simulated yields, and GAEZ data. The paper discusses its applicability for policy, planning, and climate adaptation, and offers recommendations for future improvements, including dynamic phenology, irrigation data integration, and AI-based validation.

Cite this content as:

De Simone, L., Fahad, M., De La O Campos, A.P., Cabrera Cevallos C.E. & Ondieki, V. 2025. A standardized global approach to assess crop productivity using Earth Observations Big Data – Development of a global Crop Potential Productivity Index using Earth Observation Big Data and FAO's Crop Ecological Requirements Database. FAO Agricultural Development Economics Working Paper 25-05. Rome, FAO.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd5796en

Language English

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A standardized global approach to assess crop productivity using Earth Observations Big Data

Development of a global Crop Potential Productivity Index using Earth Observation Big Data and FAO’s Crop Ecological Requirements Database

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Project code: GCP/GLO/537/NOR

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