Ollie Potter

Our Agbase newsletter, The Feed is out! Here are some key insights we shared: 💰 Agtechs raised over $90M across 37 deals from January to April 2024, nearly doubling last year's total. This surge was driven by two major deals, but overall deal numbers and early-stage funding declined. 🤑 Funding is targeting proven, scalable businesses, with over 50% of the total from two deals. 🈺 Early-stage funding dropped, but deals over $1M increased, with debt financing becoming more prominent. 🇰🇪 Kenya leads in Agtech funding, securing 80%+ of total funding and 40% of deals. 👉 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to access the full analysis: https://lnkd.in/ddwunZhk

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🌍 Unlocking Opportunities in Climate Finance 🌱 Are you looking to understand how innovative funding models can drive sustainable development and climate resilience? Join an upcoming webinar on Climate Finance to explore strategies for mobilizing resources, fostering public-private partnerships, and scaling impactful solutions. Don’t miss this chance to: ✔ Learn from experts shaping the future of green financing ✔ Discover funding opportunities for your climate projects ✔ Network with professionals driving sustainable innovation 💡 What innovative climate finance solutions have caught your attention recently? Let’s discuss! Let’s turn climate challenges into financial opportunities! #ClimateFinance #ClimateAction #GreenEconomy #Sustainability

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⏳ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 for our planet—and for your farm. On 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟔 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚, the 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 brings together top experts and innovators to tackle the climate crisis head-on. Can you afford to miss these game-changing insights? 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐭 today on agriclimatesummit.co.za 🌱   #AgriClimateSummit #ClimateChange #FutureOfFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #FoodSecurity #ClimateAction #foodformzansi

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The #bioeconomy can help climate-resilient development in Africa and the world. A high-level seminar on 3 October, co-hosted by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the Kenya Mission to UNEP (KMUNEP), explored how Africa’s rich #biodiversity can be leveraged through #sustainable #bioeconomic strategies to address climate change, land degradation and socio-economic challenges. https://lnkd.in/evT4yprY

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Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Potential: Prioritizing Soil Health and Fertilizer Strategies The cost of land degradation due to poor soil health is staggering—estimated to be between $850 and $1,400 per year for every individual globally, with a total global cost ranging from $6.3 to $10.6 trillion annually1. Soil fertility decline not only reduces crop yield but also exacerbates the impacts of climate change by diminishing the land’s resilience and adaptive capacity. Priority Areas for African Governments: 1. Policy Incentives and Investments: >>Investments in restoring degraded lands can enhance productivity, improve carbon sequestration, and reduce climate risks. Studies show that combining organic and mineral fertilizers could increase rainwater productivity by 50% to 200%1. 2. Land Tenure Policies: >>Farmers play a crucial role in preventing erosion and physical damage when the right incentives are in place. 3. Investments in Fertilizer Systems: >>African governments should invest in improving access to both organic and mineral fertilizers to enhance soil health. >>Promoting domestic production, distribution, intra-regional trade, and increasing the use of lime for managing soil acidity are essential steps. Let’s work together to unlock Africa’s agricultural potential by prioritizing soil health and sustainable fertilizer strategies. @Dr Agnes Kalibata,AGRA

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My brief response on the Competition Commission’s comments about South Africa’s food prices “South African households are generally under pressure, and the relatively higher food prices add to the difficulty. Still, it is wrong to accuse anyone of the higher food prices. The factors driving up costs are clear – amongst many drivers, there were droughts, which led to a poor harvest, reasonably higher fuel prices for much of this year, and higher labour costs. The commodity prices of most agricultural commodity prices remain elevated, mirroring the effects of these factors. In a way, one can argue that the food prices at the retail level don’t mirror the extent of increases we see at the farm level, which means retailers may have absorbed costs to an extent. Most importantly, even when agricultural prices start to ease – there typically is a lag of about 3-6 months before one sees those reflected on retail products.” – WANDILE SIHLOBO, October 7, 2024 The article is here: https://lnkd.in/dzG2Arwg

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The panel discussion analysed the potential impact of the upcoming elections on the country, with a specific focus on agriculture. The discussion also touched on possible policy shifts that might occur post-elections. #FarmersWeeklySA #agricultureandfarming #elections

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As the world continues to prioritise #sustainability, this week in the #voluntarycarbonmarket, there's been another flurry of news about #carboncredits, #biodiversity, and #naturebasedsolutions. 🌍 Top news highlights this week: - West African Push for Carbon Offsets: West African countries push for the inclusion of #carbonoffsets in environmental strategies. https://lnkd.in/g-RaQVK8 - Building Trust in Africa’s Biodiversity Credit Market: Steps to enhance #Africa’s #biodiversitycredit market. https://lnkd.in/gnyeFsti - Expanded Carbon Credits for Singapore Firms: #Singapore firms gain access to expanded carbon credits through a partnership with #Ghana. https://lnkd.in/gGKGhHyK - South African Bank's Landmark Biodiversity Fund: A South African bank launches a landmark #biodiversityfund. https://lnkd.in/g-gnxA3W - The Power of High-Quality Carbon Projects in Kenya: Explore how DGB Group's projects are making a significant impact in #Kenya. https://lnkd.in/g32PDyc8 Discover more about the crucial aspects of the Paris Agreement in our upcoming webinar: "Understanding Article 6 of the Paris Agreement." Join us on 20 June 2024 for an in-depth exploration of this pivotal topic. Secure your spot now: https://lnkd.in/dT9Njc3r Let's keep the momentum going and continue building a greener future! 🌿💚

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Over the last three years Mondi’s Zimele programme in South Africa has developed 122 emerging farmers. This includes 17 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) constituted by 11 co-operatives, and six individual farmers. More than 1,098 households have benefitted, with some 320 permanent and seasonal jobs created, and approximately R2-million in revenue has been generated since the programme’s launch. Emerging Zululand farmers who want to join the Mondi programme can send their proposals, with pictures of their current operations, to their local traditional authority, which sits on the Mondi Liaising Forum. After a comprehensive assessment, the chiefs submit them to Mondi’s Land Department to determine if they are at the subsistence or semi-commercial phase. If all criteria are met, Mondi Zimele will get on board and support them accordingly. According to General Manager Nelly Ndlovu Mondi Zimele is the business development arm of Mondi South Africa. Its Agriculture SMME programme is part of a broader initiative that provides technical and business support to emerging farmers. The programme focuses on communities where Mondi and SiyaQhubeka Forests (SQF) operate in Zululand, northern KwaZulu-Natal, and there are plans to expand to other close-by communities. “Mondi sees agriculture as a vehicle for economic freedom,” says Ndlovu. “To this end, Mondi Zimele supplies farmers with technical farming support, including seedlings in the early stages of the programme, business support and financial management training.” Leon Louw Mondi Group SPAR International Pick n Pay Food Lover's Market Holdings SIYAQHUBEKA FORESTS (PTY) LTD Mondi Zimele #whyafrica #forestry #naturalresources #farming #agriculture #whyfarmafrica #whyafricaroadtrips #africa #southafrica #economy #smallscalefarming #farmers #africanfarming   https://lnkd.in/dmWCDsnF

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No conversation about this topic is complete without the recognition of the population explosion in the semi arid lands of Africa. Vaccines have dramatically reduced childhood mortality, but birth rates have barely fallen. Rural fertility rates remain in excess of 5. More people competing for limited resources in a grazing culture means deforestation, soil degradation and even armed conflict between tribes. The average age continues drop. 19 in Kenya. 16 in Uganda. 14 in Mali. No education, no livelihoods, no future is a recipe for radicalization. The solution is simple. INVEST IN WOMEN. Give women control over their bodies. Educate girls. Delay first pregnancy until a girl is educated. Teach women to run non grazing businesses. That is the basis of poverty graduation programs like BOMA.ngo and others. They are growing, but remain grossly underfunded relative to other aid programs. Until this becomes a fundamental approach, the problem will not be solved with fertilizer. People first. If you take care of the people then they will take care of the land and the climate. #poverty #africa #genderequity

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The UAE has quietly acquired African forests larger than the size of the UK, primarily for carbon offsets. But what about sustainable food, energy, and water for Africans? The Green Economy Matters, and it's time to educate ourselves on why Africa matters the most. The fiat money paid for this land will mean very little if we don't have access to these vital resources. Wake up and let's prioritize the Green Economy. Check out the article to learn more. #GreenEconomy #AfricaMatters #Sustainability

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South Africa’s agricultural sector is proving its resilience amid the 2024 maize challenge, making it a prime #investment destination. Despite a 19% drop in maize production due to drought, the country will meet its domestic needs and maintain a surplus for export. This resilience, driven by advanced farming practices and strong institutional support, positions South Africa as a leader in #sustainable #agriculture. The upcoming African Agri Investment Indaba highlights the sector's innovation and investment potential, offering a unique opportunity for #investors to engage with Africa's agricultural future. South Africa is not just overcoming challenges; it's setting the stage for growth and sustainability in global agriculture. https://lnkd.in/dk-fywdP Ben Leyka MANUEL SINGANO Rashaad Essop Yolisa Nyoka Sandra C Munangwa Reinhard Lotz Kelsey-Shae Bailey Devi Paulsen-Abbott

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Kenya is it a step forward or a setback for small Farmers who contribute to 75% of agricultural output of the the country... Kenya is set to formalize its horticulture sector, but will the Horticultural Crops Authority Bill 2024 help everyone? This bill aligns with global sustainability goals, but how do we ensure smallholder farmers aren’t left behind? What are your thoughts? #KenyaAgriculture #Horticulture #Sustainability #UNSDGs #SmallholderFarmers #FoodSecurity

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There is consensus among South African agribusinesses, farmers and the government that the path to growing South Africa’s agricultural sector must include a strong focus on exports. But creating an environment where the agricultural sector continues to attract investment and grows sustainably will be difficult to achieve without opening up the export markets. South Africa is not an insignificant player in global agriculture. The country ranked 32nd among the world’s top agricultural exporters in 2023 and the only African country in the top 40, according to data from Trade Map (exports amounted to $13,2 billion in 2023). This was made possible by a range of trading agreements South Africa secured over the past decades with some African, European, American and Asian countries. The African continent and Europe now account for about two-thirds of South Africa’s agricultural exports. Read Full Article by Mail & Guardian here: https://lnkd.in/dbJ6J-np #export #agribusiness #agriexport #agriculturenews #southafrica #youngfarmer #agriculture #farming

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This week, Alexander Valeton joined the panel discussion on the newly released report by 60 Decibels and Busara about #digitalpenetration in agriculture in #Kenya. The insights of this report are fresh and remarkable. In the panel discussion, we underlined the importance of #digitalservices to join forces and operate together to make it easier for farmers, harvest better and clean data and create a bigger impact at a lower cost and avoid annoyance at the farmer level for another survey, again another registration process and sharing data without knowing what happens and without clear incentives for them. Kuza One (Kuza Biashara), Dalberg Research SEZ Limited GIZ KenyaAGRAResearch Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBLfarmbetter CGIAR Mercy Corps AgriFin https://lnkd.in/gkXkNEWn

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When invited to be part of the panel on Value addition and market access for the #BRAINS Project, which brings together #Beans, #Bees, #Blacksoldierflies and #fruits, my thoughts turned & strolled into the/a field of beans, (not as a deserter (of my area of waste and BSF), but rather as a scout) & knowing that good ideas are often common property, I will outline a few of the good ideas here. BSF larvae and Frass fertiliser will gain significant mileage in being considered alongside beans, bees and fruits, and sometimes it will be in a roundabout kind of way. 1. #BeansforBreakfast- when growing up, one of the most memorable breakfast recepies of the time was mixed omelete, beans on toast. it was not only a filling breakfast, but also very nutritious and tasty. with time, the egg and bread remained...beans dropped off...and have remained absent for a long while. Its time to get beans back on the breakfast plate. For households as well as in bespoke #beankitchens that would be made available for urban centres; for consumption by urban workers and university students, -who are representative of the growing demography of individuals who need good nutrition but somehow are not able to get the time to cook nutritious foods and might fall back on energy dense alternatives that are readily available in the market. Urban centers are a major producer of organic waste and can serve to provide raw material for Black Soldier Fly and therein lies the initial formation of a beneficial symbiotic relationship between beans and cities! Other than convenings of project meetings the other way to show up is #BRAINSintheCities #circulareconomy, #BSFFrass Mary Thamari, PhD Dr Jemimah Njuki Dorte Verner,Rafael TutsAyuka FombongNathanial PetersonInga Jacobs-MataGeorge IrunguBiovision FoundationTANGA MBIBetty Kibaara Beatrice Muriithi (PhD Development Economics)Rachel Okeyo, PhDAyany Otieno

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🌍 Seizing Opportunities at COP29 🌍 As COP29 approaches, the African Union has a powerful opportunity to drive sustainable development and climate action. By championing responsible agribusiness, innovative debt restructuring, and sustainable crops like industrial hemp, they can unlock significant financial wins and pave the way for a prosperous future. 🌱 Responsible Agribusiness: * Promote sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact and attract investment. * Encourage agribusinesses to invest in biodiversity conservation. * Champion climate-smart agriculture to enhance food security. * Support innovative finance mechanisms like biodiversity credits. 💰 Sovereign Debt Restructuring: * Advocate for sustainability-linked sovereign bonds to lower debt costs. * Utilize debt-for-nature swaps to reduce debt and fund conservation. 🌿 Industrial Hemp: A Sustainable Champion: * Promote hemp cultivation for its potential in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and bio-based products. * Reduce emissions and create economic opportunities through hemp production. By embracing these strategies, the African Union can demonstrate global leadership in sustainable development and secure a brighter future for the continent. Let's support their efforts at COP29! #COP29 #Africa #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #Agribusiness #DebtForNature #IndustrialHemp #Innovation #Finance

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