The Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge has announced its 2024 semifinalists, with South Africa’s ABALOBI earning recognition in the grand prize category. This year, nearly 1 200 submissions from 93 countries were received, showcasing innovations tackling urgent global food system challenges.
ABALOBI, a pioneering initiative focused on empowering small-scale fishers, was selected for its innovative use of digital tools and training programmes that assist local fishers in adapting to climate change.
The platform, which is aimed at improving market access and food security, targets Africa’s vast small-scale fishing community – 85% of whom are impacted by climate shifts.
ABALOBI’s tools provide vital data that enhances communication between fishers and government stakeholders, as well as financial institutions. Its training programmes particularly focus on empowering women and vulnerable groups, offering them better access to essential resources.
The global impact of ABALOBI’s model extends beyond South Africa, with the project contributing to the sustainable livelihoods of fishing communities across the continent. The project’s digital interventions are integral in enhancing the resilience of the fishing sector, which is often left behind in broader climate adaptation discussions.
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ABALOBI joins global innovators
In total, the Seeding The Future Challenge will award up to $1 million in funding, distributed across seed grant, growth grant, and grand prize winners. ABALOBI, as one of the semifinalists for the grand prize, competes for a share of the $250 000 available for top innovators. These funds are crucial for scaling up projects with the potential to shake up food production, address malnutrition, and create more resilient food systems.
By showcasing such innovations, the Seeding The Future Foundation provides a platform that connects innovators with global organisations like the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Food Programme, driving collaboration and investment.
The challenge’s goal is not only to reward innovation but also to foster a global network of organisations, experts, and entrepreneurs committed to addressing the world’s food security issues.
According to Bernhard van Lengerich, founder of the Seeding The Future Foundation, the submissions received this year surpassed expectations, underscoring the growing urgency to address the challenges facing global food systems. “The abundance of creative and passionate teams developing novel solutions is truly inspiring,” said van Lengerich.
In addition to ABALOBI, the Seeding The Future Global Food System Challenge highlighted several notable projects across Africa and beyond:
- Agro Supply (Uganda): Uses ozone technology to remove aflatoxins from maize, improving food safety in East Africa.
- D-Olivette (Nigeria): AI and IoT-enabled biodigesters convert organic waste into energy and livestock feed, impacting 1 million households by 2030.
- Savory Institute (Kenya): Works with Maasai herders to regenerate land through sustainable grazing, addressing land degradation and biodiversity loss.
- Safe Environment Hub (Kenya): Uses Black Soldier Fly farming to convert waste into high-protein feed, enhancing food security and waste management.
- Munakyalo Agrofresh (Uganda and Zimbabwe): Solar-powered cooling hubs and plant-based coatings reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security.
Internationally, Boundless Haven Solutions (Canada) pioneers aeroponic agriculture, and PT Seaweedtama Biopac (Indonesia) uses seaweed for sustainable packaging. These projects highlight innovative, global solutions to food system challenges.
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