The Farmer’s Eye in the Sky: Lydia Tasia

For many, Saturday mornings as a child meant watching cartoon superheroes soar above cities, spotting what others couldn't see and helping people.

What if we told you we have our own version? They don't wear capes, but they can spot farm challenges from above and use their expertise to support farmers.

In this piece, Lydia reflects on her journey into this unconventional career space, what it's like establishing herself in a male-dominated field, and the impact of her work. 

If you could turn your job into a 1-minute bedtime story for a 5-year-old, what would the story be?

I actually have a 4-year-old daughter, and I tell her that I look at pictures taken from the sky. Using these images, I show farmers things they cannot see from the ground. I map out where the trees are, where they have been cut, and where crops are planted. I can even see if the crops look happy or if they are sad and need extra care, and whether their maize will grow healthy cobs. This helps families know early on if they will harvest enough food or will need to buy more.

Let’s hit rewind for a second. How did you first get into your field, and what drew you in?

By my final year of secondary school, I wanted to be an architect and was excited to pursue that because  I liked technical drawing. However, there was a Careers Day at my school where a lecturer from Makerere University mentioned a new course they had recently rolled out: land surveying with geomatics.

The lecturer showed us a video about how they collect information from satellite imagery, analyze it, and learn what is happening on the ground. I was sold and decided that was the course for me. I wanted to learn how to use satellite data to generate insights because it sounded cool, and that’s how my journey in geomatics started.

Could you share your career journey? And at what point did One Acre Fund enter the picture, what drew you in?

My journey began when I won a competition organized by a geographic information system (GIS) firm. They offered me a job, and I stayed with them for seven years, working on agricultural projects like predicting crop yields. During that time, our firm shared an office block with One Acre Fund in Kampala, and our teams frequently had lunch together. I always admired their work, though I did not feel I had the right skills at the time.

Eventually, I moved to a solar company to work as a data scientist. When I later stepped down from that role, One Acre Fund was at the top of my mind. What drew me in was the opportunity to return to the agricultural field, where I had built so much expertise earlier in my career. When I saw an opening last year, I could not pass it up. I applied, interviewed, and got in. It truly felt like a full-circle moment.

What’s something you’ve learned from working in the impact space that has changed how you see data?

Our work is the difference between seeing in black and white versus seeing in color. Without data, an organization can still run, but with it, you see so much more. It allows you to distinguish details and make informed decisions rather than guessing. Data simply gives you the advantage of being better prepared for crises like crop failure, ensuring crucial interventions such as financial payouts reach farmers if and when they need them.

What do you enjoy about being a woman driving impact?

There is often gender and racial bias in some spaces, and sometimes, people rarely expect much until you speak with authority and a deep understanding of your field. I get a little satisfaction in proving those people wrong.

It is also incredibly rewarding to inspire the next generation. When I speak at events, young girls are often surprised to see an African woman leading this kind of technical work. I want to encourage women to have wild dreams and break the false mindset that capabilities are determined by gender. 

Even though my male counterparts and I do the same technical work, I bring a different energy and perspective to the room. My approach to solving problems and leading teams shows what is possible when women are at the table. Ultimately, being in these spaces gives me the freedom to define myself beyond traditional gender roles and make my own decisions. 

What’s one thing you’re currently excited about outside of work?

Poetry. I want to be more artistic and explore writing and singing as an outlet. I also want to stay fit. Additionally, I love hosting friends and curating experiences through food and cooking, to share my home and energy with them.

Finish this sentence: The best part of my work is… when I turn an idea into a project. Despite all the hard work it takes to figure out the execution and correct mistakes, seeing what was in my head come to life and sharing the final output with others is amazing.