NEDOS AGROTECH’s Post

#Saudi entrepreneurs are set to be increasingly empowered in establishing innovative startups in the Kingdom’s agriculture sector through the introduction of the new Sonbola program.

Three Zero Club: Concept and Goals (Part -5) The Three Zero Club is an organization composed of young individuals aged 12 to 35, working to achieve Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Carbon Emissions. The members of this club are committed to making positive changes in their lives and society. Their pledge is to work towards achieving the three zeros at both personal and social levels. Formation Process: The formation process of the Three Zero Club follows a structured approach that ensures active participation of youth. The various steps in the formation process include: Selection of Youth Members: A list of interested young individuals aged 12 to 35 is compiled. Participants are drawn from schools, colleges, universities, and local communities. Training and Awareness: Through workshops, seminars, and training programs, the club members are made aware of the importance of the Three Zero Theory, the concept of social business, and environmentally friendly activities. Campaigns and Activities: The Three Zero Club members undertake various local initiatives, such as agricultural fairs, job fairs, and environmental awareness campaigns. Innovative methods, new technologies, and climate adaptation strategies are introduced to local farmers through these activities. Funding and Support: The club raises funds and seeks cooperation from local organizations, NGOs, and businesses to run their activities. Income generation through social businesses helps sustain the club's operations. Role of the Three Zero Club in Developing Agricultural Entrepreneurs The Three Zero Club plays an essential role in developing agricultural entrepreneurs by encouraging the younger generation to pursue entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector. Some of the key contributions of the club in fostering agricultural entrepreneurship include: Training Young Individuals: The Three Zero Club provides training on modern agricultural techniques, organic fertilizer usage, climate-resilient crop cultivation, and business management. This helps individuals acquire the necessary skills to become entrepreneurs. Mentoring and Networking: The club members are connected with local agricultural experts, successful entrepreneurs, and business organizations, creating opportunities for mentorship and business advice. Project Implementation: The Three Zero Club supports young entrepreneurs in implementing various projects, such as cooperative-based agricultural ventures, productivity-enhancing technologies, and opportunities for marketing products in local markets. Financing and Microfinance: Club provides financing and microfinance facilities for members to implement their entrepreneurial projects. This helps overcome the challenge of a lack of capital for starting businesses. Environmental Awareness: Three Zero Club encourages agricultural entrepreneurs to adopt environmentally friendly practices. This helps reduce carbon emissions and ensures sustainable agriculture. To be continued...

BLOSSOMING ENTERPRISES: AICC'S ENTREPRENEURIAL IMPACT ON CHILAKWANJA NETWORK IN THYOLO In Thyolo, the Southern part of Malawi, a transformation is underway. The story unfolds in the heart of agricultural innovation, where the Chilakwanja network, under the guidance of the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC), is not just cultivating crops but also nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit that is shaping the future of smallholder farming. The narrative unfolds with the network's radical progress—no longer merely cultivators, but entrepreneurs-in-the-making. Chilakwanja delves into the nuances of business planning, absorbing insights from mentorship sessions with seasoned business experts conveyed by AICC. The entrepreneurial spirit is not confined to theory; it takes root in practical initiatives. AICC's commitment to knowledge transfer culminates in the formulation of a comprehensive business plan, record keeping, business management, strengthening Village Savings and Loans, as well as diversification. AICC's holistic approach extends beyond the immediate network. Farmers from the Network have Farmers’ Field Schools, a community-driven initiative where acquired knowledge is shared. This ripple effect ensures that entrepreneurial skills permeate through the community, leaving no farmer untouched by the winds of change. As the story progresses, Chilakwanja network is portrayed not only as beneficiaries but as proactive agents of change. The entrepreneurial skills being instilled by AICC are empowering them to navigate the complexities of the agricultural sector independently. The capacity for self-reliance is a cornerstone of their journey. Chilakwanja’s story builds to a crescendo as the network envisions a future where their entrepreneurial prowess extends beyond the duration of the project. “AICC's impact is not just temporary; it lays the foundation for our sustained success,” said Samson Banda, Secretary of the grouping. The Statement by Banda is a testament that the network is being equipped not only to weather the challenges of project execution but to thrive and innovate in the ever-evolving agricultural landscape. Chilakwanja network, once bound by traditional farming practices, stands tall as a testament to AICC's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. It is evident that entrepreneurial spirit, being sown by AICC, is blossoming into a garden of economic resilience and prosperity, promising a bountiful harvest for Thyolo and beyond.

In the vibrant landscape of African entrepreneurship, agribusiness stands tall as a beacon of opportunity and growth. But what propels the youth to dive into this field with such fervor? Let's uncover the personal aspirations fueling their engagement: Dear Youth and Young Entrepreneurs of Africa, As we navigate the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, one sector stands out for its potential to transform lives and communities: agribusiness. But what fuels the passion of young minds diving into this field? Let's delve into the personal aspirations driving youth engagement in agribusiness: Passion for Impact, Roots of Ambition and Nurturing Dreams Many Young African Agri-preneurs are driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in their communities [1]. By engaging in agribusiness, they see the chance to address food insecurity, promote sustainable practices, and uplift rural economies. Many of us dream of transforming our communities, contributing to food security, and creating sustainable livelihoods. These aspirations fuel our determination to innovate, adapt, and overcome challenges. Many young Africans are drawn to agribusiness by a deep-rooted connection to the land and a desire to uplift rural communities, the aspiration to contribute to food security and sustainable development fuels their ambition. Quest for Innovation, Cultivating Impact. Africa's youth are not just embracing tradition; they're redefining it. With a spirit of innovation, they seek to modernize agricultural practices, harnessing technology and new methodologies to boost efficiency and yield [4], for some, agribusiness represents an opportunity to preserve cultural heritage while embracing modern techniques. It's a chance to bridge tradition with innovation, fostering a sense of pride and purpose.  The allure of innovation and the chance to make a tangible impact drive youth towards agribusiness, from leveraging technology to introducing modern farming techniques, they seek to revolutionize traditional practices and create meaningful change. Entrepreneurial Spirit, Harvesting Success Agribusiness offers a pathway to self-reliance and prosperity. For many young individuals, it's not just about earning a living; it's about building a legacy, creating jobs, and driving economic growth [4], as we sow the seeds of our dreams, we envision a future where our efforts bear fruit. Whether it's achieving financial independence, empowering local communities, or leaving a lasting legacy, our aspirations drive us towards success. Many see agribusiness as a pathway to entrepreneurial freedom and financial independence. By cultivating their own ventures, they aim to build prosperous futures for themselves and their communities.  Questions for Reflection 1.What personal aspirations drive your engagement in agribusiness? 2.How do you envision agribusiness shaping the future of Africa?

The GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition proudly presents the Top 12 finalists for 2024. These dynamic young entrepreneurs have emerged as leaders in Africa’s agrifood sector, showcasing extraordinary innovation and a visionary approach to sustainable agriculture. From a pool of nearly 2000 applicants from across the continent, 12 trailblazers have risen to the top after rigorous evaluations including a semi-final round of online interviews. The Top 12 finalists will be awarded a trip to Kigali, Rwanda in early September to pitch their ventures live on stage at the GoGettaz Africa Finals during the annual Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS Forum). During the week-long event, they will also gain invaluable exposure and network opportunities with global industry leaders, potential investors, and influential policymakers in the agriculture and food sector. Along with a chance to win one of two $50,000 Grand Prizes and eligibility to be considered for GoGettaz Impact Awards totalling an additional $60,000, the AFS Forum offers young entrepreneurs (ages 18-35) a unique opportunity for building strategic partnerships to take their agribusinesses to new heights. Amongst the entrepreneurial ventures competing to win this year’s GoGettaz Africa prizes were many products and services demonstrating new approaches to improving rural livelihoods, promoting responsible water usage, minimizing post-harvest loss, and tackling agricultural waste in sustainable and creative ways. “The passion and innovations demonstrated by these young entrepreneurs are truly inspiring,” remarked Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of Yara International and GoGettaz Africa co-founder. “Africa needs impact-leaders in the food system. Of the twenty countries most at risk to the effects of climate change, seventeen are in Africa. Many of our young GoGettaz agripreneurs have told us that they are heavily affected by extreme and unpredictable weather, especially in areas where water-scarcity is already an issue. It is heartening to see that young food systems leaders, like our twelve GoGettaz finalists, are operating climate resilient and innovative ventures.” Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Chairman of Econet Group and GoGettaz co-founder, emphasized, “This is what Africa’s future looks like, and it is a bright future. I have said it before, and we’ll keep saying it until everyone hears: Africa is a continent of talented entrepreneurs. The innovative products, business models, and ground-breaking technologies being developed today by our GoGettaz entrepreneurs are amazing. Not only are our young business leaders working to launch and grow profitable ventures that create good jobs and grow prosperity across Africa’s agrifood sector; many are also tackling climate and development quandaries that have been perplexing global experts for years.“ Meet the top 12 finalists https://lnkd.in/dYn2mvap

Unlocking Rural Prosperity: The Impact of Entrepreneurship on Chinese Farmers' Livelihoods https://lnkd.in/dsSe-jVb #RuralProsperity 🚜 #Entrepreneurship 💼 #FarmersFirst 🌾 #ChineseAgriculture 🇨🇳 #EconomicGrowth 📈 #EmpowerRuralAreas 🌍 #SustainableFarming 🌱

As a social entrepreneur, Mushroom Brand Ambassador for the Uttarakhand Government, and Board Member of G.B. Pant Agriculture University Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, I aim to engage the younger generation in the agricultural sector through Mission Mushroom to promote sustainable livelihoods, self-employment opportunities, and empowerment. Mission Mushroom's "Online Training Program" is designed to provide university students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in Mushroom Circular Agricultural Entrepreneurship. Why Join Mission Mushroom? 1.Adopt Eco-Friendly Practices: Learn how mushroom cultivation can reduce waste and promote sustainable farming. 2. Promote Innovation: Discover the latest techniques and technological advancements in agriculture. 3.Enhance Social Equity: Empower yourself and your community, fostering inclusive development. 4.Be Part of the Solution! Join us in creating a better present and future together! HAPPY MUSHROOMING 🍄 😊 #agricultureindia #socialwork #start-ups #mushrooms #entrepreneurship #WomenEmpowerment

There’s entrepreneurs, and then there’s… Andy & Aggrey from Zombo Coffee Partners, operating in the West Nile province in Uganda.   These two are realizing their vision, against the odds. They don’t write pitch decks, or draft fancy financial models, or join accelerator programs. They are going out, every day, on some of the roughest roads you can imagine, in one of the remote corners of the African continent, to bring a bit more fairness, decency and hope for a better future into the lives of the coffee farmers they work with.    “Sometimes I wonder how hard you should make things for yourself, in order to create the reality you want to see”, is what Andy said over a cup of coffee - yes ;-) - during our last encounter.    Here’s what he meant: - They are producing specialty coffee in Uganda, whilst Uganda does not have a reputation on the market for specialty coffee, compared to coffee from neighboring countries like Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda, which roasters immediately recognize and therefore will pay a higher price for. - Uganda is landlocked and they operate from one of the remotest corners of the country - 8 hours drive from the capital, Kampala. - They exclusively work with smallholders (typically farms of about 1 acre in size) who produce their coffee, which means there are thousands of different producers, and it is difficult to control quality on a farm level. - On top of this, they have enabled these farmers to set up their own microstations, to do pre-processing of the coffee. These cooperatives are run independently. They lead to economic activity, employment deep in the villages, value creation and investments into some of the remotest rural areas on the continent, but this model also makes it more difficult to create coffees which taste the same year-on-year. And that makes it more difficult to sell, because buyers prefer consistency over the surprises from nature.    Even with these incredibly difficult circumstances, it looks like their company will finally be profitable this year. They have found some fantastic customers, who are supporting them on their journey - like This Side Up Coffees and Wakuli in the Netherlands.   Grounded Investment Company (https://lnkd.in/eHDANcqv) invested in Andy & Aggrey and their team. We are very proud to be a partner of this company - and their coffee is absolutely fantastic. There's a lot more to talk about - such as the work they're doing on regenerative agriculture... Let us know if you’d like to come and have a taster and we can tell you all about it ;-) #regenerativeagriculture #specialtycoffee #westnileprovince #zebrasnotunicorns

🗣Transforming Agriculture into Entrepreneurship 🗣 In the vast fields that stretch across our nations, lies the backbone of our sustenance - the farmers. 🖊Education and Training: The journey towards entrepreneurship begins with knowledge. Providing farmers with access to training programs, workshops, and resources on modern farming techniques, market trends, and business management is crucial. Equipping them with the skills necessary to adapt to changing landscapes and capitalize on emerging opportunities is paramount. 🖊Access to Finance: Lack of capital is often a significant barrier for farmers looking to transition into entrepreneurship. Governments and financial institutions must develop tailored financial products such as low-interest loans, grants, and subsidies to support agri-business initiatives. Additionally, fostering partnerships with private investors and venture capitalists can inject much-needed funds into the agricultural sector. 🖊Technology Integration: In today's digital age, technology is a powerful enabler of entrepreneurship in agriculture. Introducing farmers to innovative tools and techniques such as precision farming, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, and agricultural drones can enhance productivity, optimize resource utilization, and open up new avenues for value addition. Moreover, platforms that connect farmers directly with consumers or agribusinesses can bypass middlemen, ensuring fairer prices and higher profits. 🖊Market Linkages: Building strong market linkages is essential for farmers to scale their ventures sustainably. Creating platforms for farmers to network with buyers, retailers, and exporters can facilitate direct market access, reducing dependency on intermediaries. Encouraging the formation of farmer cooperatives and producer groups can also strengthen bargaining power and enable collective marketing efforts. 🖊Entrepreneurial Mindset Development: Beyond technical skills, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset is crucial. Encouraging farmers to think innovatively, take calculated risks, and seize opportunities can transform them into proactive agents of change. Providing mentorship and peer support networks where successful Agripreneurs share their experiences and best practices can inspire others to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. 🖊 Policy Support and Infrastructure: Governments play a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for agricultural entrepreneurship. Implementing supportive policies, such as land reforms, agricultural subsidies, and infrastructure development, can create a conducive ecosystem for farmers to thrive as entrepreneurs. Investing in rural infrastructure like roads, cold storage facilities, and market hubs can improve connectivity and reduce post-harvest losses, enhancing the profitability of agricultural ventures.

The Next Chapter at Vinagra Village: Partnering with Specialized Entrepreneurs Over the past two years, our journey at Vinagra Village has been filled with significant strides in sustainable practices. We now need to explore new ways to generate revenue.   A Fresh Vision for Vinagra Village Farming, within the permaculture model, is as rewarding as it is challenging. To build a more resilient and diversified business, we are opening our doors to specialized entrepreneurs who share our passion for sustainability but bring their own expertise to the table. By collaborating with individuals skilled in areas like essential oils, beekeeping, micro greens, and other sustainable ventures, we can expand our farm’s offerings and create a thriving ecosystem that benefits everyone involved.   The Opportunity We are actively seeking partners who are experts in their fields and interested in joining us at Vinagra Village. Whether you specialize in niche agricultural products, artisanal crafts, or sustainable technologies, there’s an opportunity here to build something meaningful together. We envision a collaborative space where innovative ideas can take root and flourish, contributing to a vibrant and sustainable community.   How to Get Involved If you are a farmer entrepreneur with a passion for sustainability and a vision that aligns with ours, we invite you to reach out and explore the possibilities at Vinagra Village. Here’s how you can get involved: Contact Us: Send us an email at [paulo@vinagravillage.com] with a brief introduction of yourself, your area of expertise, and how you see your venture fitting into Vinagra Village. Visit Us: We’re happy to arrange a visit to the farm, where we can discuss ideas, explore potential collaborations, and see firsthand what makes Vinagra Village special. Proposal Submission: If you already have a project in mind, we encourage you to submit a detailed proposal outlining your concept, goals, and how it would contribute to our community.   Building a Future Together Vinagra Village is more than just a farm; it’s a vision for a sustainable future. By partnering with like-minded entrepreneurs, we believe we can create a model of rural development that’s both innovative and sustainable. We’re excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to building something extraordinary together.