Pig Improvement Company (PIC) - Europe’s Post

Smallholder farmers are a significant ‘force’ to take into account when we speak about a transition towards regenerative agriculture. They farm on 24% of the world’s arable land, and produce 32% of the world’s food. However, a lot of investments, research and discussion on the transition towards regenerative agriculture is centered around large-scale farmers in the Global North & Australia. We have an exciting webinar coming up, *broadcasted live from our regenerative farm in Zambia*, where our Regen Ag team will share insights on how they are making regenerative agriculture work for smallholder farmers in Sub Saharan Africa, in which ways working with smallholders on a transition to regenerative agriculture is very different from working with large and input-heavy farms in the Global North, whether there is a business case, how you can invest in this - and whether it is possible to reach scale. Monday 16 September 3 PM CET. #regenerativeagriculture #investinafrica #webinar Register here: https://lnkd.in/eaU6cekb

🌾 Agriculture in Zambia: Challenges & Opportunities in 2024 🌱 Zambia’s agriculture sector holds immense potential, but it’s not without challenges. Climate change, high input costs, and limited access to financing continue to test farmers. Yet, opportunities shine brightly with increasing government support, demand for diverse crops, and innovations in sustainable farming. For those looking to venture into agribusiness, success lies in identifying high-demand crops or livestock, embracing modern technologies, and tapping into niche markets like organic farming or value-added products. Collaboration with cooperatives and continuous learning in agribusiness can transform challenges into a thriving, sustainable venture. 🌟 The time to grow is now! Let’s harness agriculture’s power to shape Zambia’s future. #Agribusiness #Sustainability #ZambiaAgriculture #Innovation #Opportunity

In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I published a video highlighting a key challenge that farmers face: the lack of control over pricing which results is dysfunction in a market system. I argued that middlemen often dominate the decision-making process, excluding producers from critical discussions regarding the value of their own produce. This imbalance leaves farmers at the mercy of intermediaries who are not directly invested in the agricultural sector's success. (https://lnkd.in/dxvpX-Md) To address this issue, I proposed that farmers should pool their resources to create digital marketplaces that would enable them to retain control over pricing and the sale of their goods. Without this shift, farmers risk remaining beholden to external actors whose priorities may not align with their own. The right of farmers to set prices for their products is fundamental and should not be overlooked. While market intermediaries play a role in facilitating access to markets, farmers, as the key investors in production, must be part of the price-setting process. I am encouraged by the work of startups like FarmWorks Agriculture, which helps farmers access affordable credit, inputs, and training. Their focus on sustainable land use and optimizing productivity offers a promising path forward. While we have seen many startups raise large sums of money only to fail when investor interest wanes, I’ve learned that we must avoid dismissing every new venture based on past failures. Younger players in the industry still have valuable lessons to learn from their predecessors. With this in mind, we watch these emerging businesses with anticipation and offer our support without reservation.

Today, in our #StartupHighlight, we're excited to feature an innovative #AgriTech startup from #Nigeria that's revolutionizing how farmers enhance productivity and tackle food security challenges across Africa! RiceAfrika Technologies is based in #Lagos and focuses on agriculture technology, helping to optimize farming practices across Africa to address food security issues. RiceAfrika utilizes advanced #agricultural technologies to tackle the persistent problem of hunger caused by the under-productivity of farmers in Africa. By integrating #smart farming tools and precision agriculture techniques, RiceAfrika #empowers farmers with the necessary resources to increase yield, reduce waste, and enhance the #sustainability of farming operations. Their approach aims to boost productivity, improve food security, and #support the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the region. RiceAfrika's technology-driven solutions offer a unique blend of data analytics, resource management, and agricultural #expertise. By providing farmers with tools and knowledge, they ensure increased #productivity and sustainability, setting a new standard in #African agribusiness. This value proposition helps bridge the gap between traditional farming practices and modern agricultural needs. For inquiries, contact Ibrahim Maigari, Founder/CEO, for business requests. Visit https://lnkd.in/eQmhJpWf to explore more about their innovative solutions in agriculture. #AgriTech #FoodSecurity #SustainableFarming #AfricanAgriculture #InnovationInAgriculture #StartupHighlight with Founders Lair! We spotlight innovative startups regularly. Want to be featured? Apply to our #MediaExposure https://flair.ly/r/7de03a initiative for thriving startups and boost your success. Apply now!

Arinifu Technologies from Kenya, led by Eddah Wanjiru, one of the 8 winners of the 2023 YouthADAPT Challenge, aims to eliminate 1,000 tonnes of charcoal from poultry farming annually, successfully brood 400,000 chicks, and impact 3,000 farmers with their solutions. They plan to achieve this by investing in solar-powered brooders to reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions. The 2023 #YouthADAPT program supports them in working towards these milestones through various interventions as Arinifu strives to make poultry farming more sustainable and efficient.  Read more here: https://bit.ly/3XO4zjP #Cohort3 #YouthADAPT #SustainableFarming #Solarpower #ClimateAction  Prabhakar Vanam Lisbeth Kamau Paul G. Kamau Wanjiku Gathura Anita Njoki mollo alphonce Kelvin Warui Wambui Kung'u Ann Njenga PRUDENCE WAWIRA African Development Bank Group Global Center on Adaptation

Small #GrantMaking for #TheSmall holder Agroecological Farmers in Himalayas - enabling Market Linkage for local circular production and consumption loops. #GramDishaTrust (GDT - www.gramdisha.org ) has supported smallholder farmers in the Karsog valley of Himachal Pradesh, India - as part of its long-standing commitment to advancing the welfare of Himalayan farmers. One such newly formed collective is the Karsog Natural Farmer Producer Company (KNFPC) . Working closely with smallholder farmers in the region, GDT aims to empower these communities to build sustainable, resilient agricultural systems. KNFPC had reached out to GDT for grant assistance, for the establishment of its outlets, and to improve/enhance its marketing capacity and professionalise its operations. 3 local village outlets were established between May - Jul 2024. Additionally GDT collaborated with the FPC to undertake capacity building program for nearby hamlet of smallholder Mountain Family Farms by providing techniques in Agroecological Cultivation and distrubution of Native Seed varieties of Millets, Vegetables and Wheat. There are numerous challenges in working with Smallholders who have little capacity and resources (including time) to undertake coporate and formal market setups. Therefore the pace has to be slow (really s l o w!!). Each cycle of capacity building has its challenges which are to be addressed while also ensuring that complete decision making agency must remain with the Smallholders. This report functions not just as a Grant Utilization report - but also as a case on how to undertake such changes at the Grassroots. GDT funds these programs through the capacities of its own trustees. Additionally, GDT is a SAS within the ACROPICS network and this program is also aligned with the objectives there. https://lnkd.in/giDDRnVW Our Intern Cheshta Rawat has worked with the CEO of the FPC #BhavnaKumari and Board of Directors (who are also small holder farmers) to prepare this report. As such this is work in progress and also a case in point on how markets and value chains are viable drivers for Agroecology based Food Systems Transformation. So far, the FPC has had success and challenges, which are mentioned in the embedded documents on the blog. More such small initiatives are welcome to seek support from GDT - once they are open to ensuring all capacities are built on the basis of Transparency. #NoFarmersNoFood #KnowFarmersKnowFood #Vocal4LocalGlobal

Diageo Partners With Innovators To Boost Agriculture In Sub-Saharan Africa

Unlocking Malawi's Potential: Tech for Food Security & Economic Growth Malawi's agricultural sector is the backbone of the economy. However, challenges like unpredictable weather and limited resources threaten food security and economic progress. The answer lies in empowering farmers with technology. Here's how it can help: Data-driven insights: Technology provides real-time information on soil health, weather patterns, and optimal planting practices, boosting crop yields. Improved market access: Digital platforms connect farmers directly with buyers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair compensation. Enhanced knowledge sharing: Technology facilitates access to best practices and expert advice, leading to more efficient farming techniques. KwachaTech Solutions is on a mission to bridge the digital divide in Malawian agriculture. We offer a comprehensive suite of services – crop management, extension services, and market linkages – to empower farmers and unlock their full potential. But we can't do it alone! Join us in supporting KwachaTech Solutions. Share this post, or donate to help us reach more farmers across Malawi. Together, let's cultivate a brighter future for Malawian agriculture! #MalawianAgriculture #FoodSecurity #TechnologyEmpowerment #EconomicGrowth #KwachaTechSolutions

"Farmers are not only producing food, they are guardians of the ecosystem," Bettina I. of Welthungerhilfe (WHH) said at the panel discussion here at the AFS Forum. She stressed that farmers are paying the price as a result of a destroyed ecosystem, yet they should be compensated for protecting it. Welthungerhilfe (WHH) is focusing on maximizing the use of local resources to promote regenerative agriculture. At AgriShare Uganda, we promote regenerative agriculture by connecting farmers with sustainable farming tools & resources within the local communities helping to maximise agricultural resource utilisation. To building resilient, eco-friendly food systems, we need to accelerate actions towards regenerative agriculture. #SustainableFarming #RegenerativeAg #Ecosystem #AFSForum2024 Shivangi Kaushik Arno Bratz Zuzana Brehova WHH United States (U.S.) – Welthungerhilfe Jayadeep Akkireddy Milindi Sibomana, PhD The Neycha Accelerator & Fund

This is one initiative of which I am especially proud! Africa's food insecurity is a huge challenge, and a challenge that is further exacerbated by #climatechange. Much of the food that we do grow on the continent stems from the hardworking smallholder #farmers. Smallholder farmers harbor many of the same challenges of typical #SMEs - limited access to affordable #finance, capacity building needs, limited access to new techniques and practices. With this initiative, we wanted to devise a mechanism whereby, regardless of education and or language barriers, #business incubation support could be provided to a network of small holder farmers across #Ghana not only to inform and support them to use #climate-smart, regenerative #agricultural practices, but also to support them with grant #financing to access climate-smart technologies, #climatesmart agricultural inputs, resilient seeds, certified seeds etc - but also to translate components of our mini #MBA program into local languages so that the #farmers can also access new learning and insights on how to efficiently run their #agribusiness and operations. To me this is real bottom of the pyramid, last mile business incubation support where it's desperately needed - and we are doing this with Alloysius Attah and his fabulous team at Farmerline Group! #JustTransition #climatechange #agriculture #Farming