Richard Brittan
@richardbrittan.bsky.social
Managing Director @Alcis.org. Passionate about using geospatial data for better outcomes for planet, people & peace.
We’ve spent years mapping Afghanistan’s fields from space — and the story they tell this year is both urgent and important. Drought, lost livelihoods, and the quiet return of poppy are reshaping the countryside in ways that demand attention and evidence-led action.
The view from space can tell us a lot about life on the ground. Our latest analysis shows how drought, migration, and lost income are pushing many Afghan farmers to the edge — and why clear, data-driven insight is essential for shaping the right responses.
www.alcis.org/post/afghani...
www.alcis.org/post/afghani...
Afghanistan’s Fragile Fields: A Growth in Poppy in the midst of Drought and Livelihood Decline
Over the past seven years, Alcis has been tracking the changing nature of Afghanistan’s agriculture and rural economies, with a focus on opium poppy cultivation. Each year, using satellite imagery, we...
www.alcis.org
October 20, 2025 at 2:12 PM
We’ve spent years mapping Afghanistan’s fields from space — and the story they tell this year is both urgent and important. Drought, lost livelihoods, and the quiet return of poppy are reshaping the countryside in ways that demand attention and evidence-led action.
Reposted by Richard Brittan
WION (World Is One News) have made a video of the key points of the research by @davidmansfield.bsky.social & @alcis.org so we don't have to!
🔗Our reports here: lnkd.in/eSj-Jij8 lnkd.in/eHjq3RH5.
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy #GeospatialAnalysis
www.wionews.com/videos/pakis...
🔗Our reports here: lnkd.in/eSj-Jij8 lnkd.in/eHjq3RH5.
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy #GeospatialAnalysis
www.wionews.com/videos/pakis...
Pakistan Becomes Opium Capital Of The World With Afghan Expertise
#Gravitas With the help of Afghan farmers, Pakistan is overtaking Afghanistan and emerging as the leading hub of global opium production. This finding comes after the Taliban’s strict ban on poppy cu...
www.wionews.com
September 15, 2025 at 11:13 AM
WION (World Is One News) have made a video of the key points of the research by @davidmansfield.bsky.social & @alcis.org so we don't have to!
🔗Our reports here: lnkd.in/eSj-Jij8 lnkd.in/eHjq3RH5.
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy #GeospatialAnalysis
www.wionews.com/videos/pakis...
🔗Our reports here: lnkd.in/eSj-Jij8 lnkd.in/eHjq3RH5.
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy #GeospatialAnalysis
www.wionews.com/videos/pakis...
World Is One News have made a short video of the key points of the research by @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social & @alcis.org so we don't have to!
🔗Our reports here: lnkd.in/eSj-Jij8 lnkd.in/eHjq3RH5.
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy #GeospatialAnalysis
www.wionews.com/videos/pakis...
🔗Our reports here: lnkd.in/eSj-Jij8 lnkd.in/eHjq3RH5.
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy #GeospatialAnalysis
www.wionews.com/videos/pakis...
Pakistan Becomes Opium Capital Of The World With Afghan Expertise
#Gravitas With the help of Afghan farmers, Pakistan is overtaking Afghanistan and emerging as the leading hub of global opium production. This finding comes after the Taliban’s strict ban on poppy cu...
www.wionews.com
September 15, 2025 at 11:09 AM
World Is One News have made a short video of the key points of the research by @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social & @alcis.org so we don't have to!
🔗Our reports here: lnkd.in/eSj-Jij8 lnkd.in/eHjq3RH5.
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy #GeospatialAnalysis
www.wionews.com/videos/pakis...
🔗Our reports here: lnkd.in/eSj-Jij8 lnkd.in/eHjq3RH5.
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy #GeospatialAnalysis
www.wionews.com/videos/pakis...
Reposted by Richard Brittan
Read now - not behind a paywall (for now)
@financialtimes.com report based on reporting by
mansfieldintinc.bsky.social & alcis.org
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy
on.ft.com/47JdlGu
@financialtimes.com report based on reporting by
mansfieldintinc.bsky.social & alcis.org
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy
on.ft.com/47JdlGu
Pakistan battles resurgent opium trade
[FREE TO READ] Authorities are intensifying crackdown after Taliban ban pushes drug trade into neighbouring country
on.ft.com
September 14, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Read now - not behind a paywall (for now)
@financialtimes.com report based on reporting by
mansfieldintinc.bsky.social & alcis.org
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy
on.ft.com/47JdlGu
@financialtimes.com report based on reporting by
mansfieldintinc.bsky.social & alcis.org
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy
on.ft.com/47JdlGu
@financialtimes.com builds on @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social & @alcis.org reporting & not behind a paywall – read while you can! Covered by 10 other media outlets including: @thetelegraph.bsky.social & @dailyexpressnews.bsky.social
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy
on.ft.com/47JdlGu
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy
on.ft.com/47JdlGu
Pakistan battles resurgent opium trade
[FREE TO READ] Authorities are intensifying crackdown after Taliban ban pushes drug trade into neighbouring country
on.ft.com
September 14, 2025 at 2:15 PM
@financialtimes.com builds on @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social & @alcis.org reporting & not behind a paywall – read while you can! Covered by 10 other media outlets including: @thetelegraph.bsky.social & @dailyexpressnews.bsky.social
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy
on.ft.com/47JdlGu
#OpiumEconomy #Pakistan #Afghanistan #DrugPolicy
on.ft.com/47JdlGu
More opium poppy cultivation in Pakistan than Afghanistan this year?
A remarkable development if true!
More here:
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
A remarkable development if true!
More here:
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
July 14, 2025 at 12:21 PM
More opium poppy cultivation in Pakistan than Afghanistan this year?
A remarkable development if true!
More here:
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
A remarkable development if true!
More here:
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
@alcis.org has released winter crop estimates for 6 provinces in Afghanistan with 2 concerning results;
2nd year of reductions in agriculture, notably wheat cultivation
Increase in opium cultivation in all 5 southwest provinces but still at very low levels
www.alcis.org/post/crop-es...
2nd year of reductions in agriculture, notably wheat cultivation
Increase in opium cultivation in all 5 southwest provinces but still at very low levels
www.alcis.org/post/crop-es...
2025 crop estimates for six provinces in Afghanistan
Winter crop estimates for six provinces in Afghanistan reveal two concerning results: • A second year of reductions in the area of agriculture to the lowest levels of cultivation seen over the last se...
www.alcis.org
July 1, 2025 at 12:04 PM
@alcis.org has released winter crop estimates for 6 provinces in Afghanistan with 2 concerning results;
2nd year of reductions in agriculture, notably wheat cultivation
Increase in opium cultivation in all 5 southwest provinces but still at very low levels
www.alcis.org/post/crop-es...
2nd year of reductions in agriculture, notably wheat cultivation
Increase in opium cultivation in all 5 southwest provinces but still at very low levels
www.alcis.org/post/crop-es...
This year, the poppy crop in Badakhshan has moved into rainfed areas where much more land is available & poppy fields are much larger, with a lower risk of eradication.
Read more in @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social blog: www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
Read more in @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social blog: www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
June 26, 2025 at 3:16 PM
This year, the poppy crop in Badakhshan has moved into rainfed areas where much more land is available & poppy fields are much larger, with a lower risk of eradication.
Read more in @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social blog: www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
Read more in @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social blog: www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
Reposted by Richard Brittan
We have been here before...
Do you recall the US Military’s Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) strike in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, April 2017? Immediate reporting of the strike's impact was considerably overblown & challenged by @alcis.org at the time, as here:
medium.com/alcis-storie...
Do you recall the US Military’s Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) strike in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, April 2017? Immediate reporting of the strike's impact was considerably overblown & challenged by @alcis.org at the time, as here:
medium.com/alcis-storie...
Trump says Iran's nuclear plans put back 'decades' by US strikes after report suggests impact limited - live updates
The US president is attending a Nato summit after a leaked report suggested US strikes set back Iran only
www.bbc.com
June 25, 2025 at 10:49 AM
We have been here before...
Do you recall the US Military’s Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) strike in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, April 2017? Immediate reporting of the strike's impact was considerably overblown & challenged by @alcis.org at the time, as here:
medium.com/alcis-storie...
Do you recall the US Military’s Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) strike in Nangarhar, Afghanistan, April 2017? Immediate reporting of the strike's impact was considerably overblown & challenged by @alcis.org at the time, as here:
medium.com/alcis-storie...
Patterns of poppy cultivation varied across Helmand province this year.
@mansfieldintinc.bsky.social explains in this article (www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...) that in accessible areas, poppy fields remained small & isolated. In remote areas, poppy fields were visible from the road & more contiguous.
@mansfieldintinc.bsky.social explains in this article (www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...) that in accessible areas, poppy fields remained small & isolated. In remote areas, poppy fields were visible from the road & more contiguous.
June 23, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Patterns of poppy cultivation varied across Helmand province this year.
@mansfieldintinc.bsky.social explains in this article (www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...) that in accessible areas, poppy fields remained small & isolated. In remote areas, poppy fields were visible from the road & more contiguous.
@mansfieldintinc.bsky.social explains in this article (www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...) that in accessible areas, poppy fields remained small & isolated. In remote areas, poppy fields were visible from the road & more contiguous.
Reposted by Richard Brittan
Don't miss this!
Understanding Conflict Through Satellite Imagery
Great article by @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social in @lawfaremedia.org that sets out how satellite imagery is now an essential dataset for better understanding the reasons for conflict and identifying policy options.
Understanding Conflict Through Satellite Imagery
Great article by @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social in @lawfaremedia.org that sets out how satellite imagery is now an essential dataset for better understanding the reasons for conflict and identifying policy options.
1/4 Blog @lawfaremedia.org with @alcis.org funded by @XCEPT It focuses on the transformative effects of solar power: how it has supported Afghan farmers cope with climate change but ultimately how its expansion now threatens the livelihoods of 3.65 million people www.lawfaremedia.org/article/unde...
June 16, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Don't miss this!
Understanding Conflict Through Satellite Imagery
Great article by @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social in @lawfaremedia.org that sets out how satellite imagery is now an essential dataset for better understanding the reasons for conflict and identifying policy options.
Understanding Conflict Through Satellite Imagery
Great article by @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social in @lawfaremedia.org that sets out how satellite imagery is now an essential dataset for better understanding the reasons for conflict and identifying policy options.
Reposted by Richard Brittan
Satellite imagery indicates that poppy cultivation will increase in Afghanistan in 2025, but it will likely remain at historically low levels.
More here in @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social's blog:
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...).
More here in @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social's blog:
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...).
June 19, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Satellite imagery indicates that poppy cultivation will increase in Afghanistan in 2025, but it will likely remain at historically low levels.
More here in @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social's blog:
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...).
More here in @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social's blog:
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...).
Satellite imagery indicate that poppy cultivation will increase in Afghanistan in 2025, but will likely remain at historically low levels.
@mansfieldintinc.bsky.social's latest blog: www.alcis.org/post/opiate-... explains that some poppy cultivation in Badakhshan has moved to rainfed areas.
@mansfieldintinc.bsky.social's latest blog: www.alcis.org/post/opiate-... explains that some poppy cultivation in Badakhshan has moved to rainfed areas.
June 19, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Satellite imagery indicate that poppy cultivation will increase in Afghanistan in 2025, but will likely remain at historically low levels.
@mansfieldintinc.bsky.social's latest blog: www.alcis.org/post/opiate-... explains that some poppy cultivation in Badakhshan has moved to rainfed areas.
@mansfieldintinc.bsky.social's latest blog: www.alcis.org/post/opiate-... explains that some poppy cultivation in Badakhshan has moved to rainfed areas.
Reposted by Richard Brittan
An important and timely update from @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social on the significant ongoing impacts of the Taliban's drugs ban across Afghanistan & the region. You won't find this level and quality of analysis anywhere else.
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
Opiate supplies continue despite the Taliban drugs ban
While many argue that a shift into synthetic opioids downstream in Europe is a function of a shortage of opium in Afghanistan caused by the Taliban drugs ban, opium prices in Afghanistan have been fal...
www.alcis.org
June 17, 2025 at 3:54 PM
An important and timely update from @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social on the significant ongoing impacts of the Taliban's drugs ban across Afghanistan & the region. You won't find this level and quality of analysis anywhere else.
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
Update on the Taliban's drug ban from @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social, looking at factors for continued opiate supplies; inventories in southwest Afghanistan, cultivation in Badakhshan, improved processing techniques, & increases in poppy cultivation in Pakistan in 2025.
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
Opiate supplies continue despite the Taliban drugs ban
While many argue that a shift into synthetic opioids downstream in Europe is a function of a shortage of opium in Afghanistan caused by the Taliban drugs ban, opium prices in Afghanistan have been fal...
www.alcis.org
June 17, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Update on the Taliban's drug ban from @mansfieldintinc.bsky.social, looking at factors for continued opiate supplies; inventories in southwest Afghanistan, cultivation in Badakhshan, improved processing techniques, & increases in poppy cultivation in Pakistan in 2025.
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
www.alcis.org/post/opiate-...
A really important report for those that want to better understand how satellite imagery data can help better understand conflict and other dynamics in hard to reach areas!
1/4 Blog @lawfaremedia.org with @alcis.org funded by @XCEPT It focuses on the transformative effects of solar power: how it has supported Afghan farmers cope with climate change but ultimately how its expansion now threatens the livelihoods of 3.65 million people www.lawfaremedia.org/article/unde...
June 16, 2025 at 7:46 PM
A really important report for those that want to better understand how satellite imagery data can help better understand conflict and other dynamics in hard to reach areas!
A great synthesis report by David Mansfield, with analysis and products by @alcis.org that brings together the impacts of the Taliban's drugs ban over the last three years.
www.euda.europa.eu/publications...
www.euda.europa.eu/publications...
Understanding the impact of the Taliban drug ban: situational analysis of Afghanistan to inform EU policymakers | www.euda.europa.eu
www.euda.europa.eu
May 27, 2025 at 11:34 AM
A great synthesis report by David Mansfield, with analysis and products by @alcis.org that brings together the impacts of the Taliban's drugs ban over the last three years.
www.euda.europa.eu/publications...
www.euda.europa.eu/publications...
Two reports covering water issues in southwest Afghanistan and flows into Iran from Dave Mansfield & @alcis.org & the potential for further conflicts in the future:
Digging an ever-deeper hole: www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
Missing the target: www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
Digging an ever-deeper hole: www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
Missing the target: www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
April 4, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Two reports covering water issues in southwest Afghanistan and flows into Iran from Dave Mansfield & @alcis.org & the potential for further conflicts in the future:
Digging an ever-deeper hole: www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
Missing the target: www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
Digging an ever-deeper hole: www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
Missing the target: www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
Reposted by Richard Brittan
A policy brief - for the time poor!
This policy brief by David Mansfield & @alcis.org contains considerations & implications resulting from violent clashes between Iranian and Afghan border forces in May 2023.
www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
This policy brief by David Mansfield & @alcis.org contains considerations & implications resulting from violent clashes between Iranian and Afghan border forces in May 2023.
www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
Missing the target: Examining the causes of the conflict on the Afghanistan-Iran border in May 2023 - XCEPT
This policy brief shares key findings and implications for policy from an XCEPT study on the escalation in violence along the Afghanistan-Iran border on 27 May 2023. The study addresses the misconcept...
www.xcept-research.org
April 3, 2025 at 11:01 AM
A policy brief - for the time poor!
This policy brief by David Mansfield & @alcis.org contains considerations & implications resulting from violent clashes between Iranian and Afghan border forces in May 2023.
www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
This policy brief by David Mansfield & @alcis.org contains considerations & implications resulting from violent clashes between Iranian and Afghan border forces in May 2023.
www.xcept-research.org/publication/...
Today’s #WorldWaterDay2025 theme is #GlacierPreservation.
@alcis.org's storymap explores how communities in the Tropical Andes are at increasing risk from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) that can destroy communities, infrastructure & ecosystems downstream.
storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6b23...
@alcis.org's storymap explores how communities in the Tropical Andes are at increasing risk from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) that can destroy communities, infrastructure & ecosystems downstream.
storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6b23...
Frozen to Flooded
Exploring the Threats of Glacier Retreat and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the Cordillera Blanca, Tropical Andes
storymaps.arcgis.com
March 22, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Today’s #WorldWaterDay2025 theme is #GlacierPreservation.
@alcis.org's storymap explores how communities in the Tropical Andes are at increasing risk from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) that can destroy communities, infrastructure & ecosystems downstream.
storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6b23...
@alcis.org's storymap explores how communities in the Tropical Andes are at increasing risk from Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) that can destroy communities, infrastructure & ecosystems downstream.
storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6b23...
It is long over due my joining BlueSky - night and day difference compared to the nonsense of my feed on X!
I am looking forward to contributing to this growing community.
Visit @alcis.org's website: www.alcis.org & follow our work on LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/company/alcis-holdings-ltd/
I am looking forward to contributing to this growing community.
Visit @alcis.org's website: www.alcis.org & follow our work on LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/company/alcis-holdings-ltd/
Alcis
Improving the lives of the world's most vulnerable people through innovative, world class Geographic Information Services.
www.alcis.org
March 22, 2025 at 9:58 AM
It is long over due my joining BlueSky - night and day difference compared to the nonsense of my feed on X!
I am looking forward to contributing to this growing community.
Visit @alcis.org's website: www.alcis.org & follow our work on LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/company/alcis-holdings-ltd/
I am looking forward to contributing to this growing community.
Visit @alcis.org's website: www.alcis.org & follow our work on LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/company/alcis-holdings-ltd/
Reposted by Richard Brittan
At Alcis, our diverse and skilled team drives innovation, adapting to new GIS technologies and expanding research across multiple continents.
Together, we tackle global challenges with expertise and impact. Internally, we value strong #teamwork and communication!
www.alcis.org
#DATAFORGOOD
Together, we tackle global challenges with expertise and impact. Internally, we value strong #teamwork and communication!
www.alcis.org
#DATAFORGOOD
January 14, 2025 at 5:45 PM
At Alcis, our diverse and skilled team drives innovation, adapting to new GIS technologies and expanding research across multiple continents.
Together, we tackle global challenges with expertise and impact. Internally, we value strong #teamwork and communication!
www.alcis.org
#DATAFORGOOD
Together, we tackle global challenges with expertise and impact. Internally, we value strong #teamwork and communication!
www.alcis.org
#DATAFORGOOD
Reposted by Richard Brittan
Exciting news! Our StoryMap, After the Shocks, is a finalist in the Esri #ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition! 🎉
Our #StoryMap highlights the 2023 Afghanistan earthquakes and their impact on minority communities.
Read our latest blog for the full picture: www.alcis.org/post/storymap-success
#GIS #Geo
Our #StoryMap highlights the 2023 Afghanistan earthquakes and their impact on minority communities.
Read our latest blog for the full picture: www.alcis.org/post/storymap-success
#GIS #Geo
February 13, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Exciting news! Our StoryMap, After the Shocks, is a finalist in the Esri #ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition! 🎉
Our #StoryMap highlights the 2023 Afghanistan earthquakes and their impact on minority communities.
Read our latest blog for the full picture: www.alcis.org/post/storymap-success
#GIS #Geo
Our #StoryMap highlights the 2023 Afghanistan earthquakes and their impact on minority communities.
Read our latest blog for the full picture: www.alcis.org/post/storymap-success
#GIS #Geo
Reposted by Richard Brittan
We’re thrilled to announce our place on #GeoAwesome’s Top 100 #Geospatial Companies list for 2025, our fourth year in a row!
From award winning #StoryMaps, to supporting disaster response initiatives, 2024 was a year of impact. 🌍
Our latest blog: www.alcis.org/post/2025-top-100
From award winning #StoryMaps, to supporting disaster response initiatives, 2024 was a year of impact. 🌍
Our latest blog: www.alcis.org/post/2025-top-100
February 3, 2025 at 5:23 PM
We’re thrilled to announce our place on #GeoAwesome’s Top 100 #Geospatial Companies list for 2025, our fourth year in a row!
From award winning #StoryMaps, to supporting disaster response initiatives, 2024 was a year of impact. 🌍
Our latest blog: www.alcis.org/post/2025-top-100
From award winning #StoryMaps, to supporting disaster response initiatives, 2024 was a year of impact. 🌍
Our latest blog: www.alcis.org/post/2025-top-100