Fatoumata Kebe was trained in Space Engineering for a year at the University of Tokyo, and is currently finishing her PhD in astronomy at the Observatory of Paris, on space debris which are the vestiges of human activity accumulated in space over time. Passionate about astronomy, Fatoumata has also invested herself in other areas such as agriculture. With a cooperative of women in Mali, she leads “Connected Eco” – a project focusing on the need for a new model of agriculture that could ensure both quality and quantity in food production where it is needed most, while preserving the natural environment. Her project also empowers women through digital training. Sensors powered by solar energy analyze the soil drought level and send the collected data by SMS to farmers so they can irrigate their fields properly and in due time, using a watering system connected to these sensors. Her project was awarded by the Young Innovators Competition, an initiative led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency focusing on the potential of Information and Communication Technologies in solving issues. Fatoumata also dedicates her energy to inspire vocations through “Ephemerides”, the association she founded in order to provide astronomy courses to high school students from disadvantaged suburbs. Her goal is to help young people embrace their ambitions and accomplish their dreams.
