Post-COVID-19: Resilience building and new opportunities for Caribbean businesses A session organised by IICA and COLEAD
Caribbean Agrifood Business Session n°1
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Innovations Session N°20
Program Links
04/09/2024
Successful agroecological practices by farmers and SMEs in Africa
Scaling agroecology in Africa requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy support, education, community involvement, market development, and research. By leveraging these strategies and building on successful initiatives, Africa can transition to more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.
Key actions include creating stronger markets for agroecologically grown foods, developing social solidarity economies, advocating for agroecological procurement by institutions, raising public awareness, and establishing inclusive governance mechanisms that support an agroecological transition. Strengthening linkages between producers, consumers, and other food system actors is essential, as is ensuring consumers understand how and by whom their food is produced.
The circular economy aims to minimise waste by designing products and systems that facilitate the reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials. This approach reduces environmental pollution, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and promotes a more sustainable and resilient economy. Additionally, the circular economy presents economic opportunities for entrepreneurs.
While adopting agroecological practices poses challenges for the private sector, the potential benefits are substantial. By investing in sustainable practices, businesses can contribute to environmental conservation, economic resilience, and social well-being. Overcoming initial barriers requires supportive policies, access to knowledge and training, and a commitment to long-term sustainability. As global demand for sustainable food systems grows, agroecology offers a viable and beneficial path forward for the private sector.
Session Categories
Networking
Join our Agrinnovators community forum to discuss and explore how to encourage innovations across agricultural value chains to transform food systems in Africa, promote sustainable agriculture, and leverage investment. Share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on innovative solutions for a greener future
Isolina Boto
Head of Networks and Alliances, COLEAD
Isolina Boto is the Head of Networks and Alliances at COLEAD. She has more than 25 years of experience in agricultural development .Before joining COLEAD, she was the Manager of the CTA Brussels Office (2004-2020)
Jeremy Knops
General Delegate, COLEAD
In June 2019 Jeremy Knops was appointed General Delegate of COLEAD. He is an accredited coach for leadership and professional development.
Rosinah Mbenya
Country Coordinator, PELUM Kenya.
Rosinah Mbenya is the Country Coordinator at PELUM Kenya. Rosinah is an environmentalist and has over twelve years’ experience in development projects, approaches and techniques in agroecology, climate change, market development, advocacy, capacity development and networking.
Nancy Mugimba
National Coordinator, ESAFF Uganda
Nancy Mugimba is the National Coordinator for ESAFF Uganda since 2010. She has dedicated her career to holistic community growth, advancing farming practices that prioritize environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and community resilience.
Noël N’Guessan
Co-founder, LONO
Kombo Ekra Noël N’Guessan is a chemical engineer. In 2016, he cofounded LONO, an engineering company that supports the agricultural and livestock value chains to produce organic fertilizer and methane.
Ousseini Ouedraogo
Executive Secretary, ROPPA
Ousseini Ouedraogo is a trained agricultural engineer and the Executive Secretary of the Network of Farmers‘ and Producers’ Organisations of West Africa (ROPPA).
Dr. Babafemi Oyewole
CEO, PAFO
Dr. Babafemi Oyewole is the CEO of the PAFO. He was a Chevening Scholar for his PhD in development economics at the university of Bradford, United Kingdom, and obtained an MBA in Technology, Marketing and Business Strategy.
Sophie Sedgho
Founder and President
Sophie Sedgho is an independent consultant and trainer in agroecology. She taught natural sciences for 30 years in secondary schools. In 2001, she became involved in the voluntary sector when she retired at the age of 55.
Additional Resources
Recent Innovations Sessions
Innovations Session N°21
How farmers and SMEs respond to the changing needs and preferences of consumers ? A session organised by the PAFO and COLEAD
Innovations Session N°19
Innovations Session n°19 (19 June 2024) presents online agrifood marketplaces developed and used by African entrepreneurs and smallholders