Ashoka Africa’s Post

Discover how renewable energy and agriculture can work together in Europe to create a sustainable future. Learn how repurposing agricultural land for renewable projects can benefit both industries while protecting nature and supporting rural communities. #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #AgricultureAndEnergy https://lnkd.in/daPWAjtj #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #GreenTech #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyInnovation

Renewable #energy implementation throughout the food chain can increase agricultural productivity, & ensure sustainable cooling solutions that are accessible even in far-to-reach communities. From farm to table, learn how renewables can ensure food security🌾 #WorldFoodSafetyDay

🌍 On #WorldFoodSafetyDay, it’s important to recognise the power of #RenewableEnergy in enhancing food security! From biogas plants to solar-powered refrigeration, sustainable solutions are key to safe and efficient food processing and preservation. 🌾💡

I'm pleased to see that UNDP is also asking the critical question: Access to energy, for what purpose? This aligns with the work we've been doing with the African Development Bank Group, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and Power Africa on Water-Energy-Food-Climate Nexus. Too often, policymakers and international actors have a narrow vision of technology, particularly renewable energy, focusing only on immediate, direct impacts like universal energy access. However, the indirect effects—arguably the most significant, such as employment, agricultural productivity, and industrialization—are frequently overlooked.   Electricity is a General Purpose Technology that can be used not only for basic needs like lighting but also for productive purposes. Should our goal be universal access or broad-based productivity? This question deserves attention, especially in budget-constrained situations requiring trade-offs by decision-makers. Access to energy should be viewed as a tool of green industrial policy aimed at accelerating the transformation of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).   In these countries, agriculture stands to benefit significantly: it's energy-intensive, under-mechanized, has low productivity, lacks value addition, is vulnerable to climate change, employs the majority of the population, and is 2-4 times more effective than other sectors in reducing poverty per unit of GDP growth.   However, the primary challenge isn't technology or finance but cross-sectoral coordination. We must break down silos within governments, between ministries, and within international organizations and multilateral development banks. This approach is as valid for rural electrification enterprises as it is for utilities reliant on state subsidies to offset tariffs that don't reflect production costs. More electricity for businesses and productive sectors means higher revenue for electricity suppliers—both directly through increased industrial demand and indirectly through higher household demand and solvency due to more employment and business opportunities.   While it sounds simple and intuitive, it's challenging to implement because we need to coordinate stakeholders and change the prevailing vision. Yet, with the AfDB, UNDP, and other major players beginning to seriously consider that electricity access is not an end in itself but a means for greater economic and social transformation, it's likely only a matter of time. The momentum is building, and governments are demanding it, particularly within the context of the energy transition. Sergio Portatadino Ulrik Kristensen Gareth Walsh

Learn how the shift towards renewable energy is impacting food prices and agricultural production in countries around the world. Researchers are discovering some unintended consequences of the move towards 'green' energy and exploring ways to address them. Check out the latest study findings and the importance of nuanced approaches to the energy transition. #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #ClimateChange #Agriculture #FoodPrices 🌱🌎🌾 https://lnkd.in/dS8nmet5 #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #GreenTech #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyInnovation

Have you heard about agri-voltaics? It's a groundbreaking solution that combines agriculture and solar energy production to create a sustainable future. Agri-voltaics systems integrate solar panels with agricultural activities, providing shade for crops, reducing water evaporation, and increasing land productivity. Additionally, they contribute to the generation of clean, renewable energy. Join us in embracing this innovative solution for a brighter greener future. Share your thoughts below! #AgriVoltaics #SustainableFarming #RenewableEnergy

Learn how solar energy is rapidly expanding in rural communities, providing clean energy and creating opportunities for farmers. With the growth of solar development on farmland, challenges and concerns are being addressed through innovative solutions like agrivoltaics and ecovoltaics. Find out how the balance between renewable energy and agricultural preservation is crucial for sustainable development. #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Agriculture #Sustainability https://lnkd.in/eBwChKyA #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #GreenTech #SustainableLiving #EcoFriendlyInnovation

In our latest series, "The Power of Agrivoltaics: Combining Agriculture and Solar," we explore the intersection of renewable energy and sustainable farming practices. By harnessing renewable energy on-site, agrivoltaics significantly reduce reliance on imported energy sources. This shift not only supports energy independence but contributes to a substantial decrease in greenhouse gas emissions linked to conventional energy production. Moreover, farmers stand to gain financially from this cutting-edge practice. Selling the excess electricity produced by solar panels can provide a new revenue stream, incentivizing the adoption of eco-friendly technologies. As the world shifts towards more sustainable practices, agrivoltaics positions itself as a synergistic solution that blends environmental benefits with economic advantages for the agricultural sector. At Distributed Energy Infrastructure, we believe that agrivoltaics will play a crucial role in driving sustainable agricultural practices forward. Learn more about how we're utilizing the power of agrivoltaics across our portfolio of projects: https://buff.ly/3UJJlSK #DistributedEnergyInfrastructure #Agrivoltaics #SustainableEnergy #SolarPower #SolarEPC

RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT: THE ANSWER TO FOOD SECURITY CHALLENGES. Agriculture is currently at a crossroad between meeting the demand of an ever growing population, and reducing environmental impact. This has resulted in the need for a sustainable means of food production driven by renewable energy investment. Did you know that globally, 30 percent of the food produced every year never reaches the consumer’s table due to inefficient storage and transport systems? That’s over 1.3 billion metric tons of food, enough to feed 800 million people. Shocking, isn’t it? But that’s not the end of the challenges that beset the global food system as climate change wields its weapons on another front. To effectively tackle these problems without further accelerating the climate crisis, there’s an urgent need to promote and drive significant investment in renewable energy. In this article, we discuss in detail the prospects of investing in renewable energy in agriculture. What is Renewable Energy and How Does It Relate To Agriculture? To read the complete article click on this link below https://lnkd.in/gicYR-3j #agritech #agritechnology

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power enhance agricultural productivity by providing sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions. Integrating renewable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers energy costs, and supports eco-friendly farming practices. Embracing renewable energy in agriculture promotes sustainable and efficient food production. #RenewableEnergy #AgriTech #SustainableFarming #Innovation #CXC #CXCInnovation