In a rapidly changing world, the agricultural sector faces a myriad of challenges, from post-harvest losses to climate change impacts. However, a new wave of youth-led innovations is revolutionizing agriculture, bringing hope for sustainable food systems and economic growth.
The Power of Nanotechnology in Reducing Post-Harvest Losses
One striking example of youth innovation in agriculture is Freza Nanotech, a Uganda-based firm founded by Samantha Ainembabazi and her colleagues. Recognizing the high post-harvest losses among horticulture farmers, they developed a groundbreaking solution using nanotechnology.
Freza Nanotech’s innovative formulation and sachets inhibit key enzymes responsible for fruit deterioration, allowing fruits and vegetables to remain fresh for up to 31 days without refrigeration. “At Freza, we use nanotechnology to merge technology with agriculture, focusing on fruits and vegetable preservation,” said Ainembabazi, co-founder and COO, during the inaugural Agriculture, Youth, and Technology (AYuTe) Africa Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, on June 11.
Transforming Agriculture Through E-Commerce
Another inspiring youth-led initiative is Afri-Farmers Market, a Kigali-based social enterprise founded by Norman Mugisha. This e-commerce platform addresses market uncertainties faced by smallholder farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa. By providing a stable market for their produce, the platform ensures that farmers can grow crops with confidence, knowing they have a guaranteed market.
“We want farmers to grow crops with the assurance of a market, and consumers to receive their food without hassle,” said Mugisha. The platform buys produce from contracted farmers, stores it in cold rooms or collection centers in Kigali, and delivers it to clients such as hotels, restaurants, and schools.
Opportunities Through Leveraging Technology
The agricultural sector is ripe with opportunities for young people to leverage technology and address long-standing challenges. Eric Rwigamba, Rwanda’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, highlighted the pressing issues of inadequate soil care, poor seed quality, limited access to fertilizers, and a predominantly aging farming population.
Rwigamba emphasized that these challenges present significant opportunities for youth to drive transformation through technology. He pointed out that post-harvest losses in some value chains can reach up to 50%, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
Changing the Narrative of Agriculture
Rwigamba also underscored the need to shift the perception of agriculture from a subsistence activity for the hopeless to a modern, technology-driven industry led by educated and empowered youth. “When youth meet technology to advance agriculture, we will stop seeing young people risking their lives for greener pastures abroad. Instead, they will find fulfilling opportunities at home,” he said.
This transformation is crucial for ending hunger, increasing production and productivity, and addressing climate change challenges. Youth-led innovations, such as tech-based irrigation systems, can play a pivotal role in adapting to climate impacts and ensuring food security.
Supporting Youth Innovators
Heifer International, a global nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger and poverty through sustainable agriculture, organized the AYuTe Africa Conference to explore the potential of youth and innovation in transforming agriculture. Surita Sandosham, President and CEO of Heifer International, encouraged young innovators to continue their journey of transforming agriculture, pledging the organization’s support through initiatives like AYuTe.
“The millions of smallholder farmers on the continent need your innovations,” Sandosham said. “As you continue this exciting journey, Heifer International is here to support you with the resources and capacity needed to become the architects of change for your communities.”
Youth-led innovations are proving to be a game-changer in the agricultural sector, offering sustainable solutions to long-standing challenges. By leveraging technology, young innovators like Samantha Ainembabazi and Norman Mugisha are not only improving agricultural practices but also inspiring a new generation of tech-savvy farmers. With the support of organizations like Heifer International, the future of agriculture in Africa looks promising, driven by the creativity and determination of its youth.
Original Article written by Emmanuel Ntirenganya
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