It is estimated that 1.3 Billion dollars is lost every year in food waste, and a large percentage of that figure derives from Africa's agricultural industry. Bringo Fresh, a Ugandan-based company has introduced an important innovation designed to tackle this problem by creating an online platform which connects farmers to consumers. The company provides farmers with accurate data of market demands which can be accessed via their phones, enabling them to adjust their production plans accordingly. This is a significant development from the days where farmers produced food with little information about market requirements. The lack of storage and refrigeration capacity in most African countries is well-known, as being a major factor in the high levels of waste of agricultural products.
But as equally important, having accurate data which can be accessed by farmers means they are able to charge prices for their products according to demand in parts of the country and obtain more revenue. The success of Bringo Fresh’s use of technology hinges on the use of mobile phones which is very heavy in South Saharan African countries, According to Ighobor and Adewumi (2021):
‘The Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA), which represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, states in its 2021 report that, globally, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for “half of live mobile money services and two-thirds of total transactions value.”
The biggest challenge for technologists, such as Laku and his company, is the internet cost in Africa is prohibitive to most farmers and in countries like Gambia telecommunications is not only expensive, it is poor in quality when compared to other African countries. In the context of attracting more people to the agricultural industry, the growing use of phone-based apps to solve problems is a positive development, and one which makes aspects of agriculture potentially more appealing to technology savvy young people.
(Source: Kingsley Ighobor and Damilola Adewumi. www.un.org/africarenewal. July 2021).
Despite the consensus that agriculture is the backbone of the continent's economy and the solution to many of its problems its young people, similar to others from traditionally agriculturally based economies such as the Caribbean, have turned their back on their countries greatest blessing i.e. the riches provided by its soil. A key factor in shaping this attitude is the intergenerational cultural breakdown fostered by lack of appropriate education, the desire for fast money, and the impact of western media which mesmerizes far too many of the young in developing countries. Another factor in this outcome is the failure of leaders and institutions to counteract these pervasive and damaging cultural influences. It is a far too common story in countries like Gambia to hear young people who have sold family land to illegally smuggle into western countries, often losing their lives in the process , or o end up in worse situations in potentially racist and hostile environments.
The failure of leaders, parents, and teachers to educate and train young people how to use land and how to collectively raise development capital or form cooperatives and share resources is at the heart of this problem. Tehuti investment Club is committed to using its expertise to address this problem. A positive example in the right direction can be seen in the case of Alex Darboe of Nema Kuta Ecolodge (Gambia), who can often be seen teaching children the importance of gardening and the necessary skills to maximize their independence in being able to feed themselves and generate income. See our Partners page for more information. This type of educational activity must be replicated and supported by economic education in understanding domestic, regional, and global markets. Technology also plays a potentially important role in modern farming which can appeal to young people, most of whom are already exposed to its benefits.
(Source: Thomas Williams.,www.borgenmagazine.com. July 14 2021).
Enset, which also goes by the name of 'false bananas' is being hailed as a miracle crop because of its ability to thrive in many of the conditions associated with climate change, such as increased temperatures and reduction in rainfall. The crop which only grows in Ethiopia, has important qualities that has led many experts to conclude that it is the solution in feeding 100s millions of people around the world. The edible part of the crop, which is not the banana looking growth, is the husk can be ground to make nutritious porridge and bread thus replacing wheat and maize which is vulnerable to climate change conditions.
(Source: Precious Smith 22 January 2022 . www.natureworldnews.com).
