Estimation of Teff Yield Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia

Teff is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia where about 66% of the population relies on it for food. . It is a glutenfree food crop which has attracted much interest in the international market. Forecasting Teff crop yield well before harvest is crucial in Tigray as the region is characterised by climatic uncertainties. Given that drought is a common occurrence in the region, timely and quantitative information on expected Teff crop yield will improve the area food production and in turn improve the country’s food security. A timely assessment of emergency situation will also allow the regional government to intervene with specific measures that support local farmers. Remote sensing images are capable of identifying crop health as well as predicting its yield. In this study, Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) calculated from remote sensing images will be used to monitor crop growth and relate to crop yield. The satellite data will be validated using ground truth in farmer’s field.