Renowned agriculture economist, Dr Antony Chapoto, delivered an insightful address at the 2023 annual conference of the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU), shedding light on investable opportunities in climate change.
As the research director at the Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI), Chapoto has conducted extensive research on agriculture and food systems in sub-Saharan Africa. He reiterated the reality of climate change, stating, “Climate change is real.”
He drew attention to the disparity in preparedness between countries based on their greenhouse gas emissions, noting, “Countries that emit the most are the most prepared. Countries that emit the least, which are mostly the ones that you see orange, red, which is mostly in Africa, we are the least prepared.”
Chapoto emphasised the importance of introspection and finding solutions, stating, “This calls upon all of us to look at ourselves and introspect and say where are the solutions?”
Young people can contribute
He further highlighted the potential of young entrepreneurs in addressing climate adaptation and mitigation, stating, “The solutions are in our young. The emerging approaches to agricultural development suggest that entrepreneurship is critical to growth and development of the agricultural sector, as well as to its resilience.”
Addressing the disconnect between young entrepreneurs and climate action, Chapoto highlighted their unintentional contributions to climate adaptation and mitigation. He stated, “You find that they are doing some activities that are contributing to climate adaptation, mitigation, and adaptation, but they don’t know it. Hence they don’t know the full set of opportunities that they have.”
Chapoto emphasised the need for support and investment in young agri-entrepreneurs, stating, “We need to make sure that we put all our efforts in ensuring that the agricultural business sector flourishes, the agri business sector becomes technologically advanced.”
Access to finance needed
He further called for stakeholders’ support in providing access to finance and resources, stating, “We can do better and help budding renewals be able to access the finance they need to innovate and transform the African continent so that we are ready to deal with the issues of climate change.”
In conclusion, Chapoto expressed his gratitude to the diverse audience at the SACAU annjual conference and urged their support in joining the cause, stating, “Ladies and gentlemen, we need your support. You can join the club.”
Chapoto’s address highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and leveraging the potential of young entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. By recognising their unwitting contributions and providing necessary support, Africa can foster a sustainable and climate-resilient future in agriculture.
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