1.
Improved Agricultural Monitoring systems
through satellite imagery for IRAN
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Gianluca Franceschini
Technical coordinator and GIS|RS expert (CBDS)
Climate, Biodiversity, Land & Water Department (CB), UNFAO
October 2017
PROJECT

2.
Project overview

3.
OUTCOME and OUTPUTS
OUTCOME: Established national and operational agriculture
monitoring system that improve the quality of agriculture information
and reporting based on geospatial technologies.
Output I: Innovative, up to date and complementary agriculture monitoring systems
enabling the integration of satellite remotely-sensed data are developed. The baseline
of current approaches, gaps and limitations of current procedures are established;
Output II: Sustainable methods and tools for crop area and yield estimation through
integration of remote sensing and sampling in the field to identify appropriate sites for
yield estimation and crop cutting exercise and to be used as a calibrator for the area
frame are developed in selected provinces as a demonstrator for the larger UTF;
Output III: Provincial crop reporting capability to provide crop area and yield estimations
to the public through regular and timely market-oriented reports containing actionable
information useful for decision-making by farmers and other interested in the crop market
are improved in selected provinces as a demonstrator for the larger UTF.
Output IV: Capacity development through transfer of relevant methods, good
practices and learning materials and, exchange of development solution on agriculture
monitoring optimized by use of geospatial technology are achieved.

4.
OUTPUT 1
• Analyse the current crop area
and yield estimation methods.
• Analyse the data collection methodology.
• Analyse the current area frame
assessment methodology.
Identify/propose the most appropriate
and cost-effective approach adapted
to the country conditions.
Identify the baseline of current
approaches, gaps and limitations.
Innovative, up to date and complementary agriculture monitoring systems enabling
the integration of satellite remotely-sensed data are developed. The baseline of current
approaches, gaps and limitations of current procedures are established.

5.
OUTPUT 1 - Results
• Technical document describing the result of the
assessment and identifying areas for improvement.
Establish a baseline of current approaches, gaps
and limitations of current procedures.
o The results will be discussed with the stakeholders
for identification and improvements.
• Database of all the existing agriculture, geographic
and administrative information for selected provinces.
• Land Cover DB based on FAO land cover methodology
and standards (LCML).
• Cropland Information including based on land cover DB
and multi temporal satellite information and indicators.
• Technical document on alternative approaches
for the continuity of geospatial products
for monitoring of crop growth.

6.
OUTPUT 1 – Implementation plan
OUTPUT/ACTIVITY
START
DATE
FINISH
DATE
INDICATORS TO BE CARRIED OUT MAIN DELIVERABLES STATUS
OUTPUT 1.
Innovative, up to
date and
complementary
agriculture
monitoring
systems enabling
the integration of
satellite remotely-
sensed data are
developed. The
baseline of
current
approaches, gaps
and limitations of
current
procedures are
established;
Oct-
2016
Dec-
2017
• Inception WSH
delivered;
• TORs prepared and VA
published;
• Consultants hired
• Agreement and
contracts stipulated;
• Detailed implementation
plan prepared (for WSH
discussion)
• Report describing the
gaps and limitations of
the national agriculture
monitoring and statistics
system
• Database with existing
information;
• Most appropriate and
cost-effective
approaches identified;
• Cropland map and
analysis of the main crop
types for the selection
provinces;
• Maps, statistics,
etc.,…prepared
Agriculture
Monitoring INT CST: (1
mnth+1mnth mission
in IRAN (inc. training));
Agriculture Statistics-
AF INT CST:
(1mnth+0.5mnth
mission in Iran).
Geospatial and GIS
INT CST: (2mnths);
Agriculture
Monitoring NAT CST:
(5mnths);
Agriculture Statistic-
AF NAT. CST: (3mnths);
Geospatial and GIS
NAT CST: (3mnths)
NPC/NPD – Full time
• meetings/workshops;
• detailed technical AM
document describing
the result of the
assessment;
• database included all
the existing agriculture,
geographic and
administrative info.;
• Land cover DB/map
based on FAO LC
approach.
• Cropland Information
based on satellite
information/indicators;
• document/report
describing alternative
approaches for the
continuity of satellite
data products for
monitoring of crop
growth.
• Inception Workshops
and Meetings with
stakeholders prepared;
• WSH Informative and
outreach materials
prepared;
• Detailed
implementation plan
prepared;
• Satellite imagery
downloading and in
processing for
agriculture Area
Frame;
• Land cover work-plan
and draft activities for
some selected
provinces in
preparation;
• TORs for international
and national
consultants prepared
and VA published;
• International and
national Consultants
hired

7.
OUTPUT 2
Sustainable methods and tools
for crop area and yield estimation
through integration of remote sensing
and sampling in the field to identify
appropriate sites for yield estimation
and crop cutting exercise and to be used
as a calibrator for the area frame
are developed in selected provinces
as a demonstrator for the larger UTF.
• The project will focus on rice
productivity assessment and crop
area estimation based on recent high
resolution geospatial information
(e.g. Sentinel-1&2).

8.
OUTPUT 2 - Results
• Monthly NDVI based on recent HR satellite
for the selected provinces.
• Crop/non crop DB/map based on Sentinel
data for selected provinces.
• Rice crop area and yield estimation
for some selected provinces.
• Methodological document on standard working
procedure to perform the crop masks and area estimation.
• Stratification for the area frame based on LC
and satellite imagery.
• Detailed technical report on the basis of the analysis
of the results, recommending a cost-effective methodology
for estimating the area under major crops at national level
to be ended under UTF.
• Project proposal for an UTF project for improving
crop status monitoring, area estimates and yield
forecasting extended at national level.
• Workshop with the stakeholders.

9.
OUTPUT 2 – Implementation plan
OUTPUT/ACTIVITY
START
DATE
FINISH
DATE
INDICATORS TO BE CARRIED OUT MAIN DELIVERABLES STATUS
OUTPUT 2.
Sustainable methods
and tools for crop
area and yield
estimation through
integration of remote
sensing and sampling
in the field to identify
appropriate sites for
yield estimation and
crop cutting exercise
and to be used as a
calibrator for the area
frame are developed
in selected provinces
(as a demonstrator
for the larger UTF).
dec-
16
sep-
18
−Analysis and results of
crop area and yield
estimation in the
selected sites;
−Report on the methods
and results of the
exercise to be used in a
larger UTF project;
−Crop masks of some
crops for the selected
areas;
−Rice area monitoring;
−Project proposal (UTF)
based on the assessment
and extended at national
level, for the
improvement of crop
status monitoring and
area and yield estimates
delivered.
−Agriculture Statistics-
AF INT CST:
(1mnth+1mnth mission in
Iran (inc training).
−Agriculture Monitoring
INT CST: (1
mnth+0.5mnth mission in
IRAN);
−Geospatial and GIS INT
CST: (2mnths)
−Agriculture Monitoring
NAT CST: (4mnths);
−Agriculture Statistic-AF
NAT. CST: (4mnths);
−Geospatial and GIS
NAT CST: (3mnths);
−NPC/NPD – Full time
−crop/non crop map;
−Satellite-based crop
assessment: monthly NDVI;
−rice crop area and yield
estimation for selected
provinces;
−methodological document for
standard working procedure
to perform the crop masks
and area estimation.
−area frame stratification;
−technical report
recommending a cost-
effective methodology for
estimating the area under
major crops at national level
to be ended under UTF;
−Project proposal for an UTF
project.
−Workshop and meeting;
- ON GOING
- Satellite imagery
selected and
downloaded;
- Geoprocessing of
satellite data-
ongoing;
- RS indicators on-
going;
- Rice area
monitoring
activities started;

10.
OUTPUT 3
Provincial crop reporting capability
to provide crop area and yield estimations
to the public through regular and timely
market-oriented reports containing
actionable information useful for
decision-making by farmers and other
interested in the crop market are
improved in selected provinces as a
demonstrator for the larger UTF.
• integrate, more fully, the use of
remotely sensed data into the
provincial crop reporting services.
• provide reports/bulletins of satellite-
based estimates of area of crops,
agricultural inputs, crop growth
pattern, information on the status
of other natural resources, etc.

11.
OUTPUT 3 - Results
• Assessment of provincial crop reporting services
and the capability to utilize geospatial technology
and field survey for producing and making
available to the public timely market-oriented
reports on crop estimation and forecasts.
• Guideline of the main approaches for the
preparation of the reports/bulletin relying
on satellite based crops information.
• Deliver reports/bulletins for the selected
provinces based on the satellite-based estimates
of area of crops and vegetation information;
• Agricultural experts system at national and
provincial level, which can report on crop stage
and condition in a timely electronic fashion.

12.
OUTPUT 3 – Implementation plan
OUTPUT/ACTIVITY
START
DATE
FINISH
DATE
INDICATORS TO BE CARRIED OUT MAIN DELIVERABLES STATUS
OUTPUT 3.
Provincial crop
reporting capability to
provide crop area and
yield estimations to
the public through
regular and timely
market-oriented
reports containing
actionable information
useful for decision-
making by farmers and
other interested in the
crop market are
improved in selected
provinces as a
demonstrator for the
larger UTF.
oct-
17
sep-
18
−Provincial Crop
Reporting units of
MAIL capable to
prepare reports based
on RS technology;
−Agriculture experts
list (national/
provincial level)
available;
−At least 3 geospatial-
based reports/
bulletins delivered;
− Agriculture
Monitoring NAT CST:
(4mnths inc. on-job-
training of provincial
offices);
−Agriculture Statistic-
AF NAT. CST: (3mnths
inc. on-job-training of
provincial offices);
−Geospatial and GIS
NAT CST: (3mnths inc.
on-job-training of
provincial offices);
−NPC/NPD – Full time
-Report of the provincial crop
reporting services, and
geospatial and crop
estimation and forecast
capability assessment;
- Guideline of the main
approaches for the
preparation of the
reports/bulletin;
-Deliver geospatial-based
reports/bulletins for the
selected countries;
-agricultural experts system
at national and provincial
level, to report on crop stage
and condition;
−The activities
are not
started yet.

13.
OUTPUT 4
Capacity development through transfer
of relevant methods, good practices
and learning materials and, exchange
of development solution on agriculture
monitoring optimized by use of geospatial
technology are achieved.
• Incorporate training of trainers
(from main department/division)
who can then cascade down training
of others (e.g. to provincial staff).
• provide technical certification through
MOJA and incorporate teaching skills
development.

14.
OUTPUT 4 - Results
• Exchange of knowledge, technology experiences and good practices.
• 2 Study tours for the MOJA’s staff in Pakistan and/or FAO-HQ-Rome.
• On-the-job-trainings of the MOJA experts at national and provincial level,
Training of Trainers and distance learning through webinars.
• Identify and develop the curricula, modules and units/lessons on: Geospatial,
Land Cover Mapping, Statistics, etc.; and set learning objectives for the course components.
• Liaise with FAO regarding the agriculture monitoring e-learning materials
and curricula developed under Pakistan and the SIGMA EU programme.
• Evaluate the routes to technical certification of course through MOJA
and incorporate teaching skills development.
• Incorporate post-training support and develop and transfer the support skills to MOJA departments.
• Closure workshop for the presentation of the results of the project to the stakeholders.

15.
OUTPUT 4 – Implementation plan
OUTPUT/ACTIVITY
START
DATE
FINISH
DATE
INDICATORS TO BE CARRIED OUT MAIN DELIVERABLES STATUS
OUTPUT 4.
Capacity
development
through transfer of
relevant methods,
good practices and
learning materials
and, exchange of
development
solution through
South to South
Cooperation on
agriculture
monitoring
optimized by use of
geospatial
technology are
achieved;
feb-
17
sep-
18
−Trainings and ToT
in the form of
traditional or
webinars
delivered;
−E-learning and
curriculum
materials
delivered;
−Closure Workshop
report;
−2 study tour;
−Report/bulletins
available
−Agriculture Statistics-AF
INT CST: (1mnths – 2
trainings).
−Agriculture Monitoring
INT CST: (1mnth – 2
trainings);
−Geospatial and GIS INT
CST: (1.5mnths –3
trainings)
−Agriculture Monitoring
NAT CST: (1mnths – train.
of provincial offices);
−Agriculture Statistic-AF
NAT. CST: (1mnths – train.
of provincial offices);
−Geospatial and GIS NAT
CST: (1mnths – train.
provincial offices);
−NPC/NPD – Full time
−web-trainings, on-the-job-
training and Training of
trainers in application of RS
and GIS for crop monitoring,
AF and statistics generation;
−2 study tours (Islamabad and
Rome);
−curriculum of several modules
on “Geospatial information
and technology for agriculture
statistics”;
−satellite-based crop estimates
reports/bulletins for the
selected provinces;
−high-quality e-learning and
training materials, guidelines,
manuals and source books;
−Workshops/ seminars. Closure
workshop for the presentation
of the results;
−ON GOING
−FAO Land Cover
webinar Training
delivered;
−Geospatial
Technology for
Agriculture
Statistics webinar
training – delivered;
−Outreach materials
on the project
delivered;

16.
Project area
The selection of the pilot sites is done to illustrates
the geographical and natural situation, suitable
dispersion of beneficiaries and various agricultural
products.
• aiming at development, in a successive phase,
of a system of crop area and yield estimation
throughout the country.
The selection is based on some factors such as:
• availability of land mapping of previous years
• new large scale aerial photos
• variety of agricultural products
• the average surface of pilot areas
• appropriate organizational cooperation at the project site, diverse climatic conditions, etc.
PROJECT SELECTED AREAS
Mazandara
n Province
Zanjan
Province
Jiroft County
(Kerman Province)
The GOI has proposed three pilot sites for the project: Mazandaran, Zanjan Provinces
and Jiroft County (Kerman Province).

17.
Participants

18.
Institutional framework
The main implementation partners of the project are: FAO and MOJA.
• FAO Representation in Iran has the overall operational responsibility
to ensure smooth implementation of the project activities.
• MOJA has the overall responsibility for the agriculture
monitoring tasks in the country through:
o a wide network of provincial and district offices
closely linked with the HQ in Tehran;
o other related institutions whose role will be
instrumental in the project implementation.
• The project will establish linkages with the Provincial
Agriculture offices which work with:
o provincial extension departments
o universities
o directly with the farmers

19.
Management arrangements
• Establish Project Task Force (PTF) to act as project management
and consultative body:
o led by the FAOR Iran and FAO Geospatial Unit (HQ)
responsible for the technical issues.
• The PTF will consist of:
o FAO staff who possess the appropriate authority and mix
of skills to ensure effective technical, operational and administrative
support to the project management throughout its cycle
o FAOIR will be the project budget holder.
• Establish Project Steering Committee (PSC) to monitor project
implementation at the national level:
o consist of all related stakeholders
o led by a senior official from the MOJA.

20.
Monitoring
• FAOR in consultation and cooperation with the designated Government
counterparts (MOJA) liaise for operational aspects with the Regional
Office for Near East and North Africa (FAORNE)
• Lead Technical Officer from FAOHQ is responsible for the technical
monitoring of the project
• The Government will nominate a National Project Coordinator
(national expert designated by the MOJA in close consultation with FAO)
• The overall progress of the project will be monitored by the PSC:
o monitoring will be based on scheduled meetings
o the PSC meetings will be convened at least once a year.

21.
Reporting
• Produce annual narrative report, based on progress of the activities planned
and implemented and the Project Terminal Report:
o with focus on achievements according to the log frame and the work plan.
• Annual narrative report and terminal report will be prepared by the LTO
in close consultation with the PTF, national coordinator and the counterpart.
• National/International consultants will prepare reports on the thematic areas
in accordance to their terms of reference:
o the consultant’s reports will be reviewed and approved by the LTO
and submitted to the FAO Representative in Iran.
• A final financial report will be issued by FAO no later than six months
of the end of the implementation period.
• FAO’s internal reporting schedule:
o annual progress report within 1 month after the end of the first year of the project
o the project’s terminal report to be drafted within 3 months of completion of project activities
• All reports will be prepared in FAO standards templates for agreed upon reporting durations.

22.
Communication
The project will undertake communication activities to:
• ensure a high level of outreach
• raise awareness and increase the visibility of the project
• show the advantages of remote sensing technologies for assisting
the government of Iran in dealing with future challenges
• maintain strong collaborative arrangements
between FAO and GOI
• ensuring coordination with MOJA and provincial
agriculture offices and communities
The project will develop informative outreach products
to support effective communication of project.
The project will undertake meetings and workshops to:
• inform the stakeholder about the implementation
of the activities and results
• to review and discuss the findings of the assessment
• validate the methodology proposed from the project.

23.
Overall budget
Parent
Account
Parent Account
Description
Account Account Description
Original Budget
(USD)
5013 Consultants 5542 Consultants – Internationally recruited 140.000
5543 Consultants – Locally recruited 102.000
5020 Locally Contracted Labour 5652 Administrative Support 15.000
5021 Travel 5684 Travel - Consultants – International 44.880
5692 Travel – Technical Assistance to Field Projects 5.740
5023 Training 5920
Training Budget (including Travel/DSA - Study Tour
- Consultants – National)
59.802
5024 Expendable equipment 6000 Expendable equipment: Satellite imagery 55.000
5025 Non Expendable Procurement 6100 Non Expendable Procurement Budget 10.000
5027 Technical Support Services 6111 Report Costs 2.550
6120 Technical Assistance to Field Projects 10.278
5028 General Operating Expenses 6300 General Operating Expenses Budget 12.693
5029 Support Costs (7%) 6130 Support Costs Budget 31.057
Grand
Total
489.000

24.
Sustainability of results
 Develop substantial technical capacity activities
in the use of geospatial data for the agriculture
statistics, monitoring and analysis.
 Strengthening institutions and stakeholder
partnerships for sharing and exchange of
development solutions – knowledge, tools,
methods, good practices, policies, technology
and resources.
 Development of a project proposal for a UTF larger
project for the application of the approaches
developed under the project.
 Development an “follow-up strategy” that
addresses how country government can move
forward and maintaining and updating of methods
and procedures for agriculture monitoring after
the project has ended.

25.
TECHNICAL DIMENSIONS
• Participatory framework ensuring full ownership of the stakeholders in project design and implementation
• Technology change in line with management capacity so that the infrastructures developed by the project are
compatible for operation and maintenance by the institutions at all levels
• A capable government entity to provide needed technical support to the local/provincial level after
the withdrawal of the project support.
SOCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL SUSTAINABILITY
• Follow a demand driven approach and invest considerably in local institution building and capacity development programmes
• Strengthen the existing agriculture monitoring system and provide guidelines and strategy for their maintenance and update
• Provide a common platform and knowledge to manage and improve the crop production and increase the benefit
• Enhance the GOI capacity on agriculture planning and management policies and decision making
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
• Improve health of agricultural production systems and resilience by provision of customized information
products focusing on agriculture and land resources
GENDER EQUALITY
• Integrate the gender components in all its aspects including: technical assistance, capacity development
and ensure high participation in the implementation of the project activities
HUMAN RIGHTS BASED APPROACHES (HRBA)
• Provide timely crop forecasts & estimates information which are crucial to both policy makers and other stakeholders
involved in taking decisions, food security analysis, initiating policies, planning, investment and marketing.
Sustainability of results

26.
Gianluca.Franceschini@fao.org
THANK YOU!