PREO’s latest report showcases the potential of renewable energy to help Africa meet the food system demands of a growing population. Launched during a webinar hosted by the Carbon Trust on November 13, 2024, Cultivating Opportunities in Africa: Powering Agricultural Productivity Through Renewable Energy Integration explores how clean energy can boost agricultural productivity and strengthen resilience as the continent faces rapid population growth and soaring food demand.
The United Nations estimates global food production must rise significantly by 2050 to meet demand, with Africa’s population set to grow by 63% by 2050. With a population that could account for one in four people worldwide, Africa’s role in global food security has vast potential. Africa holds 65% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, a significant workforce, and abundant freshwater resources. However, significant barriers such as high post-harvest losses, reliance on rain-fed agriculture, and the mounting impacts of climate change can limit productivity.
The report identifies the potential of Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) solutions in addressing these issues. Solar-powered water pumps, mechanised farm equipment, cold storage, refrigeration and agri processing systems not only enhance productivity but reduce waste, stabilise food supplies, and increase income opportunities for smallholder farmers.
The report showcases five companies supported by PREO – Simusolar, Good Nature Agro, Heifer International, Koolboks, and SokoFresh – that are pioneering PURE applications in African agriculture. These companies address critical challenges, from financing and market access to technical assistance and awareness creation, and are paving the way for scalable, locally adapted models that benefit farmers directly.
Whilst PURE solutions are making an impact, the report outlines significant barriers that still remain, such as high upfront costs and limited financing. By demonstrating innovative business models and practical applications, the report seeks to inspire broader adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and bring increased investment to this growing sector.
In the report’s foreword, Michael Rea, CEO of the Carbon Trust, emphasises the urgency of this shift: “As we look to the future, the challenge is great, but so is the opportunity. We are grateful for the continued support of the programme’s funders, alongside our delivery partners Energy 4 Impact, to enable PREO to harness this opportunity. By investing in the right solutions today, we can contribute to a prosperous, food-secure Africa for tomorrow.”
Reference: www.uneca.org…