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Agribusiness still ignored in Africa – Experts

By Babajide Komolafe
Business & Finance Agribusiness still ignored in Africa – Experts
NOV 17, 2011 LISTEN

Industry professionals have urged African youths to turn their attention toward developing the agricultural sector so as too benefit from the undiscovered potential of the agribusiness sector.

Speaking at the Vodafone African Business Leaders Forum, Kojo Yankah, chief consultant, Yankah & Associates, Ghana, said “whether we like it or not, agriculture is still stigmatised in Africa, making it difficult to attract youth to the sector. The youth have a critical opportunity to play a role in its development, but young graduates are not thinking about it as an option.

”Indeed, the agribusiness sector in Africa has been pivotal in developing the economy of many countries, but the sector has not been given much prominence in its promotion and development.

”Agribusiness in Africa requires modernisation, and new mind sets, there's great potential in agribusiness for the youth, but only if mindsets change now.”

In agreement is Diana A. Kolek, East Africa Representative, YALDA International, Kenya, who said “we need to build capacity through training, and through changing attitudes. It's all about getting out there and doing something about solving the problems in the sector. All the research and information young people need is available to do it.”

According to the panel, 60% of land in Africa is uncultivated – but is actually suitable for farming. This land is being ignored to the detriment of the continent's development.

In a related development, several environmental and climate experts have high-lighted the need for African leaders to identify sustainable methods of agricultural production in order to slow down the damaging effects of climate change.

Speaking on 'Climate change reversing progress in Africa' at the Vodafone African Business Leaders Forum, Tami Sokutu, Executive Director, African Bank, South Africa, said “Sub Saharan Africa remains the only region in which food security has not improved, which is very alarming.

“The fight against poverty in Africa is becoming more challenging as the effects of climate change worsen – even though Africa is one of the smallest contributors of greenhouse gases.

”One of the issues we face is that we grow food to be exported elsewhere, instead of ensuring that we have enough to feed ourselves. If we're not careful about our agricultural practices, much of Africa will be reduced to a dustbowl.”

Shade Bembatoum-Young, Consultant, Africa Seeds International Ltd, explained that enough value is not being added to our crops, making us just exporting commodities – and going hungry at home.

”We're living in a global village, so we can learn from the many successful examples of sustainable agricultural development and food chains around us.”

Maureen Erekua Odoi, Executive Director, African Aurora Business, emphasised the need for African leaders to examine their food conservation practices, raise awareness of the issues of climate change, and invest more in clean energy.

”We must also attract the youth to agri-business, and start an innovation marketplace to launch new ideas and support entrepreneurs with advisory services,” she said. “If we can each just invest $10 in the environment every year, we will have abundant fruits for our young people in the next five years. The time is now to take action.”

Olajide Esohe, Vice President, African Youth Unite for Change, Nigeria, agreed with this sentiment – citing entrepreneurship as one of the most crucial strategies.

”Young people need to begin to think about how they can create jobs for themselves, instead of seeking existing jobs. This will further the employment opportunities that we need in Africa,” she said.

Each of the speakers reinforced the urgent need to attract and retain Africa's young professionals. Estimates have it that over 30 million Africans live outside the continent, and African countries spend around $4billion annually to employ about 100,000 non-African expatriates.

”We do want to take action, and we have the passion and drive to make change happen – but we cannot do it alone. We need government to join us in the spirit of partnership,” added Motloung.

Abiodun Ajijola, CEO,CGMIE Consulting, Nigeria, focused on the need to create “successful, global companies” in Africa as a way to retain the youth. In addition, he proposed the formation of a global youth exchange as a way of encouraging Africans abroad to share their ideas and strategies for development. According to Ajijola, young people should also be better informed about the realities of migrating abroad.

”We need to communicate to young people that migration is not so attractive, especially if it is not done for the right reasons,” he added.

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