Benjamin Gyan-Kesse
Stakeholders in the agricultural value chain have been urged to collaborate across sectors using innovative technologies in order to improve agricultural production.
Executive Director for Kosmos Innovation Centre, (KIC), Benjamin Gyan-Kesse who made the call at the second edition of the Agricultural Innovation for Africa (AIA) Conference in Accra said agricultural production can thrive when players in the sector integrate local knowledge, and leverage innovative technologies.
He said, “In today’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, the key to sustainable growth lies in our ability to collaborate across sectors, integrate local knowledge, and leverage innovative technologies.”
He said for a developing country such as Ghana, there was the need youth start-ups to be supported to develop innovative mechanisms in the country’s quest to increase food production.
”Youth and Agri-MSMEs continue to remain at the forefront of innovation and change in agriculture. By supporting these young innovators through conferences such as these, we are strategically positioning ourselves to champion the course of navigating the daunting challenges of food systems,” he said.
The two-day conference themed, ‘Empowering Youth Startups and Agri-MSMEs in Africa: Addressing Climate Change, Innovative Financing, Market Efficiency, and Gender Mainstreaming for Sustainable Food Systems” held from August 28-29, 2024 emphasised the need to empower youth start-ups and Agri-MSMEs.
Country Director for AGRA, Dr. Betty Annan, said the role of the youth is paramount for the continent to secure food systems.
According to her, that could be realised through the collaboration of stakeholders in utilising youth driven innovations and initiatives to tackle issues such as climate change.
She also said an enabling environment, investments, mentorship were crucial in youth start-ups for the growth of the agricultural sector in the country.
The Conference which brought together over 4000 participants also included an exhibition and youth career providing over 30 startups and Agri-MSMEs, including KIC Businesses, the opportunity to pitch their businesses to potential investors.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah