Webinar Explores Sustainable Agriculture Practices
- EABC in partnership with AWE improved knowledge of over 100 agri-value chain actors on Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Arusha, January 26, 2024 – The East African Business Council (EABC) in collaboration with the Agency for Business and Economic Development(AWE) funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), successfully organized a webinar training on Sustainable Agriculture Practices in the East African Community (EAC). The virtual training has improved the knowledge of more than 100 key stakeholders in the agri-value chain on strategies and innovative tools for transitioning to sustainable agriculture practices in the region.
In his opening remarks, Mr. John Bosco Kalisa, the CEO of EABC, stated, “Global shocks such as climate change, conflict, and debt distress pose a risk to increasing food insecurity.” He elaborated that over million 281 million people in Africa and 134 million in Eastern Africa are undernourished. Prelevance of food insecurity at moderate level in Eastern Africa is at 69% in Eastern Africa (FAO 2023)
He urged the need to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) and modern agricultural technology, enhance transport connectivity, improve agricultural finance and insurance, address soil fertility concerns, facilitate trade at borders, and improve storage facilities. He emphasized the importance of building stronger partnerships to reassess food systems and agricultural practices in the region to enhance food security.
In her remarks, Lydia Koch, Private Sector Advisor at the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE), reiterated the commitment of Germany to work with the government and private sector to fight hunger and ensure food security across the globe amidst global crises and shocks.
The webinar featured insightful presentations from distinguished speakers, providing a comprehensive overview of sustainable agriculture. Ms. Nandi Mkwanazi, representing Nanloy Organic Farm, discussed the opportunities, challenges and key policy recommendations associated with transitioning to sustainable agriculture.
The subsequent presentation on adaptation to climate change was delivered by Ms. Marianne Walpert of Simusolar who also shared solutions to addressing key strategies for mitigating the impact of climate change in the agricultural sector.
Mr. Yarama D. Ndirpaya, representing Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), presented on Climate Smart Agriculture technologies, providing valuable insights into innovative technologies that promote sustainability.
In his presentation, Mr. Vishnu Reddy from Farmfit Intelligence (idh) shared a perspective on Regenerative Agriculture in the coffee sector.
Some of the Key Challenges that were highlighted during the webinar include;
- Climate Change-related disasters (droughts, floods, excessive temperatures.
- Inadequate use of quality inputs. (quality seeds, fertilizers).
- Poor access to markets, insurance and finance.
- Post Harvest Loss and low value-added production.
- Poor pests and disease control.
- Soil management.
- Supportive agriculture policies.
- Poor use of technologies and innovations.
Some of the opportunities that were highlighted during the Webinar were
- Regional value chain opportunities in the EAC Region and under AfCFTA.
- Climate–smart agriculture practices.
- Aagroecology adaptation to increase soil fertility and soil health.
- Growing ICT opportunities in agriculture.
- Capacity building workshops and collaborations to enhance the capacity of Agri-value chain actors.
- Technological Innovation adaptation for sustainable agriculture practices.
The webinar has improved the understanding of the challenges and opportunities in implementing sustainable agriculture practices across the EAC. The webinar was moderated by Mr. Frank J. Dafa with support from Patrick Moshi and Gift Gabriel from EABC Secretariat.
Video recording of the webinar on Sustainable Agriculture Practices is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aoiwv7leUB8
The East African Business Council is pleased to invite companies and agri-value chain players to register and profile their products and services on the online Business-to-Business directory of the East Africa Agro Investment Profiles & Directory enabling access to agro market & investment opportunities in East Africa. Visit: https://agro.smesoko.com/
