Lelo Nxumalo

This analysis investigates the impact of climate-related shocks on social protection beneficiaries in Ghana. By examining long-term changes in soil surface moisture, a key proxy for precipitation and agricultural drought, the project aims to identify regions with increasing vulnerability to climate change. This analysis is critical for designing effective social protection programs and climate adaptation policies that target the most at-risk populations. Methodology and Data To conduct this analysis, I utilized geospatial data and cloud-computing platforms: Data Source: The analysis relies on the GLDAS (Global Land Data Assimilation System) , a NASA-supported system providing reliable, long-term climate monitoring data. Analytical Tool: Google Earth Engine (GEE) was employed to process and analyze large-scale satellite data, mapping soil surface moisture across Ghana's districts from 2000. Visualizations: The analysis produced (1) a time-series animation illustrating monthly so...

This post explores the dynamics of Land Surface Temperature (LST) across Ghana, based on an analysis of Google Earth Engine data. This investigation is part of a broader project examining economic and environmental shocks and their impact on social protection beneficiaries in Ghana. What is Land Surface Temperature and Why Does it Matter? Often confused with air temperature, Land Surface Temperature (LST) is the "skin temperature" of the earth's surface—a measure of how hot or cool the ground is to the touch. This metric is vital for understanding our environment for several key reasons: Climate and Weather: LST influences local and regional weather patterns, including the formation of clouds and rainfall. Agriculture: Crop health, growth, and water needs are directly tied to the temperature of the soil. High LST can lead to rapid moisture evaporation and severe agricultural stress. Human Health: In populated areas, high LST contributes to the "Urban Heat Island...