How can we improve global crop mapping? IFPRI’s Spatial Production Allocation Model (SPAM)

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has developed a Spatial Production Allocation Model (SPAM). SPAM generates highly disaggregated, fine-resolution, crop-specific production data using the data fusion method. Datasets for the years 2000, 2005, 2010, 2017, and 2020 are available as open-access resources on the SPAM website (www.mapspam.info) and Dataverse. During this webinar, we will discuss SPAM data and products within the broader context of global cropping system mapping perspective and history. We will discuss key challenges that still need to be overcome in global crop mapping community, and share insights on the future of improving the global cropping data products. Finally, we will outline the collective mechanisms and efforts needed—including open-access data platforms, standard protocols, and consistent financial support—to produce high-quality datasets that serve the needs of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.