By 2050 almost 1 / 4 of the world’s inhabitants–about 2.5 billion folks–will stay in Africa. This younger, energetic inhabitants is an amazing engine of financial and social mobility, however this progress is threatened by an unlikely supply; meals loss.
In Ghana alone, as a lot as 45 p.c of vegetables and fruit are wasted, based on a 2019 Mckinsey Report.
That’s sufficient to feed a further 12 million folks, with out clearing a single acre of recent farmland or utilizing a further drop of water. Globally, post-harvest loss accounts for 14 p.c of whole meals manufacturing, about 180 million tons yearly.
Wasted meals is wasted potential. The World Meals Program estimates that 23 million.
African youngsters attend college hungry. Youngsters with empty stomachs wrestle to pay attention, and underperform.
For Africa to be aggressive globally, all of its youngsters should obtain their full potential, and this aim can’t be reached when college students are hungry.
Tackling starvation in Africa by tackling post-harvest loss is a uniquely solvable drawback.
Publish-harvest loss happens at staggering charges as a result of in lots of international locations perishables
journey lengthy distances from agricultural areas to inhabitants facilities, the place patrons stay.
With out assistance from refrigeration, agricultural items, vegetables and fruit, but in addition dairy milk and fish, spoil earlier than they are often bought. Not solely does post-harvest loss cut back obtainable meals, it drives up the price of the meals that is still.
But chilly chain logistics may also function the conduit for commerce. As soon as linkages are made between producers and patrons, these channels could be leveraged to supply all method of merchandise – from greens to vaccines.
Not solely has this, but in addition returns afforded by efficient distribution created worth that may catalyze a journey up the worth chain for the meals producers. World dairy firm Arla, harnessed its origins as an agricultural cooperative, comprising teams of small dairy farmers in Denmark, to right this moment changing into one of many world’s main fast-paced shopper packaged items firms.
Equally in South Africa FMCG behemoths, Pioneer Meals and Rhodes Meals Group developed from the amalgamation of farming cooperatives that then expanded their operations to a variety of merchandise like fruit juices, canned merchandise, jams and comfort meals. Africa’s demographic dividend will not be a given; it’s a possible that should be nurtured.
By guaranteeing meals safety by means of revolutionary options like chilly chain logistics, we are able to domesticate a technology able to seize alternatives and drive Africa’s transformation.
The author is a Board Member, World Chilly Chain Basis and
CEO, FreezeLink
Aretha Forson: KIC start-up selling sustainability in haircare trade
Kosmos Innovation Middle (KIC) continues to drive innovation and sustainability by supporting ground-breaking companies, and one such success story is Aretha Put on It Out.
The plant-based haircare model is making a major affect within the magnificence trade by catering to people with textured hair utilizing pure, eco-friendly components.
Plant-Primarily based Options for Haircare
One of many firm’s manufacturers, Aretha Put on It Out makes a speciality of haircare options derived from nuts, seed oils, and pure herbs to handle frequent hair well being challenges. With a product line of six sustainably produced objects, the model focuses on nourishing and strengthening textured hair whereas sustaining a dedication to sustainability.
Talking in regards to the model’s mission, Co-founder Aretha Forson said, “Aretha is redefining haircare for textured hair with plant-based options, sustainably crafted to protect hair well being and empower girls.
With the help of Kosmos Innovation Middle, we’re rising a future rooted in sustainability and self-care.”
Dedication to Sustainability
Sustainability stays a key pillar of Aretha’s operations. The corporate prioritizes eco-friendly packaging and ensures that its manufacturing processes align with environmental consciousness. By integrating sustainability into its core values, Aretha helps prospects make accountable decisions whereas sustaining wholesome hair.
By means of KIC’s funding and mentorship, Aretha has expanded its operations and refined its enterprise mannequin.
The help has enabled the corporate to scale its product line and strengthen its sustainability efforts. KIC continues to play a vital function in nurturing younger entrepreneurs in Ghana, serving to them remodel revolutionary concepts into profitable companies.
A Brilliant Future Forward
Aretha’s imaginative and prescient extends past simply offering haircare merchandise; it goals to encourage self-care and confidence amongst people, significantly girls. With its emphasis on sustainability and high-quality formulations, the model is about to go away an enduring mark on the haircare trade.
Kosmos Innovation Middle stays dedicated to empowering younger entrepreneurs like Aretha Forson, guaranteeing that companies can thrive whereas contributing to a extra sustainable future.
Aretha Forson firm is without doubt one of the winners of the 2024 KIC AgriTech Problem Professional. Working in partnership with the Mastercard Basis, KIC is empowering many younger folks to turn out to be entrepreneur’s whiles offering employment alternatives throughout the agricultural and agri-adjacent sectors.
BY OWUSU AKOTO
