Dr. Catherine Nakalembe is a prominent scientist known for her innovative work using satellite data and AI to address climate change and food security challenges. Her research has been featured in major media outlets, including DEVEX, CNN, The Guardian, ABC News, The Washington Post, and BBC. A sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Nakalembe has delivered high-profile addresses on harnessing agricultural technologies to tackle food systems challenges including at the UN, World Bank, SXSW, and TEDx. Her vision and impact continue to garner significant visibility across scholarly, policy, and public spheres.
Growing Resilience From the Ground, Up
Ugandan-born Geographer Catherine Nakalembe Links Satellites and On-the-Ground Monitoring to Help African Farmers Weather Extreme Events
By Maggie Haslam Apr 23, 2024, Read more
Getting a Bird’s-Eye View of Food Insecurity with Catherine Nakalembe
NASA Science Editorial Team, Read More
Seeds of Impact: Catherine Nakalembe's Trailblazing Path
From a modest upbringing in a plaster-coated, mud-and-bamboo house in Kampala, Uganda to sharing the million dollar Al Sumait Prize for African Development, Assistant Professor Catherine Nakalembe’s life could easily become a Hollywood movie.
By Renata Johnson Apr, 2024, Read more
Book Chapters
Videos and Documenteries
From satellites to underwater cameras: The planet-saving tech in Africa
Trailblazing scientists across Africa are using space and underwater technologies to discover more about planet Earth, and ourselves.
23:01 - Source: CNN
Keynote Tropentag 2023: The Interplay of Agriculture, Land Use, Climate Change, and Food Security
Keynote Address Land & Carbon Lab Summit in Brussels
Keynote: Open Day Milan: The Power of Diversity in Innovation in Harvest Africa Initiatives
Earth Observation Technologies and Data for African Agriculture
2021 TEDCountdwon: Cliamtechangeai TEDx
2021 PLanet explore 2021 FIreside chat with Tanya Harrison
2021 Harvest Africa, MKAI 2021
2021 Our world: Where do crops grow. NASA eclipS
2021 NASA Ask Subject Matter Expert
2020 Fireside chat at ClimateChangeAi
2020 BBC World News: the Africa Food Prize
2020 Summit on Resilient and Regenerative Food Systems
2020 Project Geospatial
2020 Acceptance Speech: Africa Food Prize
Podcasts
Magazine Articles
All Media Appearances
Leadership Journeys [11] – Catherine Nakalembe – “With very little, you can do so much”, This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast.
Mar 14, 2022
A human right to nature: The people suing governments for environmental damage, BBC Science Focus Magazine,
Jan , 2022
NRM Liberation: Fifty to Recieve National Medals
Jan , 2022
New Videos Featuring NASA Harvest Show How Earth Observations Can Help Improve Food Security, NASA Applied Sciences, By Marissa Kunerth, Earth Applied Sciences Writer
Dec , 2021
Women, Technology and the Anthropocene, The Climate Change Project
Dec , 2021
5 Key Takeaways From COP26, By Karen Shih ’09, Maryland Today
Nov , 2021
Catherine Nakalembe: Africa Must Invest in Data Technology in Order to Address Complex Agriculture Problems, Immaculata Abba, AMAKA
Nov , 2021
UMD Experts Participating in COP 26 Climate Conference, UMD’s College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Maryland - College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Nov , 2021
Why is Haiti’s food system so broken?
Oct , 2021
Information Equity: Ensuring Earth Observations Data is Equally Accessible
and Practical for Farmers Coping with Climate Change
By Hazara Ouedraogo, Lutheran World Relief Mali Country Director, AGRILINKS
Oct , 2021
Our World: Where Do Crops Grow?
Oct , 2021
Devex Newswire: NASA targets the farmer data gap
\By Michael Igoe, Inside Development, Devex Newswire
Oct , 2021
How to make satellite data useful for farmers facing climate change
Oct , 2021
Africa Food Prize 2020 laureate Dr Catherine Nakalembe recognised amongst top female
innovators in Africa
Oct , 2021
From Space to Farm to Table
By Jake Ramthun and Leah Kucera, NASA Applied Sciences
Oct , 2021
Drug resistant malaria found in East Africa
Science in Action, BBC 30 September 2021
Sep , 2021
6 African food security experts to watch
Sep , 2021
NASA Harvest Leads Crop Yield Modeling Workshop, NASA HARVEST, Sep 27, 2021
NASA Harvest Leads Crop Yield Modeling Workshop, NASA HARVEST, Sep 27, 2021
Sep , 2021
Innovative Quartz Africa Innovators 2021: Female innovators are a key step forward in the
field of quartz Africa’s innovation
BY ELIZABETH PASCKA LATIM, List23
Sep , 2021
Quartz Africa Innovators 2021: Female innovators lead the way
Sep , 2021
Oxford Farming Conference 2022: Speakers and events announced
Agriland.co.uk, Michelle Martin
Sep , 2021
Eradicating
food insecurity
Sep , 2021
Africa Food Prize Winners; Dr. Lindiwe Sibanda and Dr. Catherine Nakalembe
Sep , 2021
Africa: It’s Time We
Recognised Africa’s Scientists As Heroes
OPINION By H.E. Olusegun Obasanja (Former Nigerian President)
Sep , 2021
Remote Sensing Scientis-Dr. Catherine Nakalembe
Aug , 2021
Getting a Bird’s-Eye View of Food Insecurity with Catherine Nakalembe – Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet
Jul , 2021
How Can Drones and Geospatial Science Contribute to Climate Resilience?
Jun , 2021
Process Launched to Boost Support for Least Developed Countries
Jun , 2021
Data Farming
May , 2021
Soil Data Aids Prediction of Locust Swarms
May , 2021
Women on the frontlines of climate science
Apr , 2021
Meet some of the women who are fighting against climate change
Apr , 2021
Women of Weather Featuring Dr. Catherine Nakalembe of NASA
Mar , 2021
Men of Reddit, who are your female heroes?
Mar , 2021
Faces of GEO 2020
Mar , 2021
Breakfast Show Podcast 26-03-2021-End World Hunger,The Existence of God
Mar , 2021
Women of Weather: A New Series Featuring Incredible Women Leading Change in Weather
and Climate
Mar , 2021
The top ladies leading in technology in Uganda
Mar , 2021
Celebrating Women Leading the ML4EO Community
Mar , 2021
Catherine Nakalembe: Celebrating Black Geographers for Black History Month
Department of Geography, University of Florida
Feb , 2021
How gravitational waves could reveal flaws in a black-hole theorem, satellites lead
an agricultural revolution
By Hamish Johnston, Physicsworld
Feb , 2021
Black Female Scientists: A Series of Conversations
George the Poet
Feb , 2021
How gravitational waves could reveal flaws in a black-hole theorem,
satellites lead an agricultural revolution
Feb , 2021
NeoGeoNova
Jan , 2021
NASA Earth Observations Help Kenya Aid Program Reach More Farmers
Jan , 2021
Live with Crystal Newman on The Groove with Crystal
Jan , 2021
Our Place in the Food Security Chain
Jan , 2021
NASA Data Aid Food Security Assessments in Kenya
Jan , 2021
How Ugandan NASA scientist Catherine Nakalembe uses satellites to boost farming
Dec , 2020
GAP: Empowering farmers to grow safe, quality products
The Nation, in Agriculture, News Update, December 23, 2020
Dec , 2020
AIP Technical Reference Group established, begins work towards AIP Water Investment
Scorecard
Dec , 2020
Food security: Experts discuss state, future of precision agric in Ibada
Dec , 2020
The 2020 Africa Food Prize; Winners and Panel Discussion
Nov , 2020
Climate Change Adaptation experts have called on governments to invest in
early warning systems to increase the capacity of all stakeholders
in managing short and long-term climate risks
Focal Point with Samson Kasumba, NBC Television
Oct , 2020
Robust National Adaptation Plans Needed for a Climate-resilient World
Oct , 2020
She uses data to aid food security
Full Woman Magazine, The Daily Monitor
Oct , 2020
Nakalembe’s vital work wins the coveted Africa Food Prize The East African October 16, 2020
Oct , 2020
My work helps improve people’s livelihoods
Full Woman Magazines, Daily Monitor
Oct , 2020
Eyeing Crop Conditions in the Fields in Ségou, Mali
NASA Applied Sciences Program, by Lia Poteet
Oct , 2020
Nakalembe: Advancing Remote Sensing for Food Security
By Dorcas Dupe, Space in Africa News
Oct , 2020
Africa needs productive, policy push to transform agric — Obasanjo
Oct , 2020
SERVIR Applied Sciences Team member selected as Africa Food Prize Laureate
Sep , 2020
Faculty and Staff Accolades: A Roundup of Recent Awards and Accomplishments
Sep , 2020
Experts seek increased investments in Africa’s agric devt
Sep , 2020
Dr Nakalembe wins Africa food prize
Sep , 2020
AGRF 2020 Concludes With Call For Greater Focus On Urban Food Markets
Sep , 2020
Dr. Catherine Nakalembe, a winner of the Africa Food Prize (AFP) 2020
BBC World- Live on Focus on Africa
Sep , 2020
The NASA researcher fighting food insecurity in Africa
Sep , 2020
Africa Food Prize Press Conference
Sep , 2020
Lutheran World Relief congratulates Dr. Catherine Nakalembe, winner of 2020 Africa Food
Prize
Sep , 2020
Africa: Andre Bationo and Catherine Nakalembe Awarded the 2020 Africa Food Prize
Sep , 2020
Ugandan Doctor Wins Africa’s Food Award
Sep , 2020
Africa needs productive, policy push to transform agric—Obasanjo
Sep , 2020
Catherine Nakalembe Awarded 2020 Africa Food Prize
Sep , 2020
Ugandan researcher Dr. Catherine Nakalembe awarded the 2020 Africa Food Prize
By George Mangula, Second Opinion
Sep , 2020
Dr. André Bationo and Dr. Catherine Nakalembe Awarded the 2020 Africa Food Prize
(AFP), Africa Food Prize, September 11, 2020
Dr. André Bationo and Dr. Catherine Nakalembe Awarded the 2020 Africa Food Prize
(AFP), Africa Food Prize, September 11, 2020
Sep , 2020
AGRF Summit 2020 - Presidential Summit and Africa Food Prize Award Ceremoy
Sep , 2020
Dr. Catherine Nakalembe Named as 2020 Africa Food Prize Laureate,
Geographical Sciences University of Maryland
Sep , 2020
GoGettaz and African Food Prize Award Ceremony
Sep , 2020
The NASA researcher fighting food insecurity in Africa
Sep , 2020
Dr Catherine Nakalembe Awarded the 2020 Africa Food Prize (AFP)
Sep , 2020
Catherine Nakalembe Selected as a 2020 Africa Food Prize Laureate
NASA Applied Sciences, by Lia N. Poteet & Aries Keck
Sep , 2020
Professor Nakalembe Named as 2020 Africa Food Prize Laureate
University of Maryland College of Behavioral Sciences
Sep , 2020
Remote sensing specialist and soil scientist win Africa Food Prize
Sep , 2020
Q’s for Dr. Catherine Nakalembe, Africa Program Lead at NASA Harvest
By Hodan Omaar, Center for Data Innovation
Jun , 2020
Mapping the Future of Food Security: Catherine Nakalembe
By Aries Keck NASA Earth Science, Water Resources
Jun , 2020
Regional Cropland Mapping and Monitoring Service, SERVIR-East and Southern Africa
Jun , 2020
When We Can’t Ask Farmers How They’re Doing, Their Fields Tell The Story:
Using Satellite Data to Estimate Cropped Area and Crop Production in Mali
May , 2020
Desert locust swarms: A second wave of locusts threatens crops in East Africa. Scientists lead the fightback
Apr , 2020
Integrating Earth Observations in National Agriculture
Apr , 2020
Catherine Nakalembe: Empowering the people close to the land. In Women and GIS, Volume 2: Stars of
Spatial Science ESRI Press, ISBN: 9781589485945
Apr , 2020
Understanding the current locust plague in East Africa with the help of satellites
Apr , 2020
Assessing Locust Damage from the Ground, Earth Matters Blog
Apr , 2020
Locust swarms are invading Africa. Here’s how NASA satellites can help stop them
Mar , 2020
Could Satellites Help Head Off a Locust Invasion?
Mar , 2020
NASA Earth Observatory Features Collaborative Efforts To Mitigate Locust Outbreak In
Eastern Africa
Mar , 2020
NASA Harvest Africa Program - Catherine Nakalembe
Mar , 2020
Celebrating Women: Stars of Spatial Science
Mar , 2020
Africa Women in GIS Maiden Webinar
Mar , 2020
T-45: Women of NASA Earth Science
Mar , 2020
Monitoring COVID-19, harvests and space junk
Feb , 2020
An Innovator in International Food Security
Feb , 2020
Using satellites and machine learning to protect food security in Eastern Africa
Feb , 2020
Using satellites and machine learning to protect food security in Eastern Africa
Dr. Catherine Nakalembe from NASA Harvest speaks at AAAS Session
Feb , 2020
NEWS BRIEFING The Future of Food: Technology Tackles Food Security Risks
Feb , 2020
Protecting Food Security From Space? Using Satellites To Inform Agriculture
Feb , 2020
An Innovator in International Food Security
Feb , 2020
How Dr. Nakalembe uses satellites to to boost farming
The Observer
Jan , 2020
Catherine Nakalembe: Enhancing Agricultural Productivity with Earth Observation
Dec , 2019
GEOG’s Nakelembe Honored for Work to Improve Food Security in East Africa
College Of Behavioral Sciences, BSOS E-Newsletter
Dec , 2019
Congratulations To Dr. Catherine Nakalembe On Receiving The Inaugural GEO Individual Excellence
Award
Nov , 2019
Uganda’s early warning system wins Natural disaster prevention award
Nov , 2019
Ugandan wins global award: Catherine Nakalembe, a Ugandan heading the
Eastern African hub for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) –
an independent agency of the US government – has received a global award
Nov , 2019
Uganda Wins Global Award for Early Drought Prediction That Saved $2.6 Million, Chimp Reports, November 14, 2019
Nov , 2019
South Africa And Uganda Win Big At GEO Week 2019, Space in Africa -November 6, 2019
Nov , 2019
NASA Announces Funding For Eight New Projects Under SERVIR Africa Hubs
Nov , 2019
Dr. Catherine Nakalembe Receives and Presents the Inaugural GEO Individual Excellence
Award to the Ugandan Ministry
Department of Geographical Science, University of Maryland
Nov , 2019
Bugisu gets landslide early warning system
The Daily Monitor
Oct , 2019
University of Maryland, Strasbourg to install landslide warning systems on Mt. Elgon
region
Oct , 2019
Landslide warning systems installed in Bududa
Oct , 2019
Summary of the First NASA Harvest Conference
The Earth Observer, September - October 2019 Volume 31, Issue 5
Oct , 2019
Discussion Panel on Food Security and Early Warning
Jul , 2019
Earth Observations Help to Monitor the Impacts of Cyclone Idai on People and Food in
Eastern Africa
May , 2019
Bringing NASA’s satellite imagery data to small-plot farmers in Mali
May , 2019
Lutheran World Relief launches partnership with NASA project
Lutheran World Relief Blog post
Apr , 2019
East Africa Crop Monitoring Training Tour Promotes Satellite Data For Agricultural
Decision Making
Mar , 2019
East Africa Crop Monitoring Training Tour Promotes Satellite Data For Agricultural Decision
Making
Mar , 2019
Food, Water, and Satellites: Early Warning from Satellite Data Strengthens Food Security
in Uganda
Making Space for Earth blog posts
Mar , 2019
Capacity Building on Rwanda National Crop Monitor
Regional Center for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD)
Mar , 2019
A New Partnership To Deploy Sustainable Hi-Tech Automated Agro-Meteorological
Stations For Improved Ag-Decisions In East Africa
Oct , 2018
Monitoring Uganda's crops. In Climate Change and Satellites,
Acting Together, Suds-Concepts Press & Edition. ISBN: 978-2-954322384
Jul , 2018
Kenya’s First National Crop Monitor Set to Strengthen Food Security
Group on Earth Observations (GEO)
Jul , 2018
Strengthening Resilient Development Through U.S. Research Collaborations
May , 2018
A UMD doctoral student is using new technology to map Ugandan refugee settlements
The Diamond Back, University of Maryland
Dec , 2016
Student & Early Career Scientist Profile Series–Catherine Nakalembe
American Geophysical Union on Tumblr
Dec , 2016
Field data collection training in Masaka, Uganda
Jun , 2016
Developing a Comprehensive System for Food Security Monitoring in Tanzania – Stakeholder
Workshop
Mar , 2016
Food security situation, Karamoja, Uganda
Mar , 2016
Workshop on Remote Sensing and Mobile Data Collection Tools for National Food Security
Reporting in Tanzania
Feb , 2016
STARS report showing evidence of food security issue in Karamoja, Uganda
Oct , 2015
Area Frame Design and Field Campaign in Kilosa District, Morogoro
Oct , 2015
Area Frame Design and Field Campaign in Kilosa District, Morogoro. STARS Project, Published October 2, 2015
Oct , 2015
High level stakeholder meeting Uganda
Sep , 2015
American University to help Karamoja mitigate against crop failure
Sep , 2015
AgriSense-Africa STARS Tracks Impact of Late Rains on Crops in Central and Northern Tanzania
May , 2015