Africa 2016 - Press Conference: One million tons of cold storage

TL;DR

Leaders in Africa have announced a scheme to open up and produce 1 million tons of cold storage, aiming to tackle the problem of food wastage in the agricultural industry.

Transcript

doing this I think we're ready to start good afternoon ladies judgment thangkas thank you very much for joining us Heather's I've seen on day one of the World Economic Forum this building is quite enjoying this I think we're ready to start good afternoon ladies judgment thangkas thank you very much for joining us Heather's I've seen on day one of t... Read More

Key Insights

• 😋 Agriculture is the most important industry in Africa, with 40% of food produced going to waste and 400 million Africans relying on it for income.
• 🥔 Lack of cold storage facilities is a major challenge in the potato industry, leading to the importation of potato chips in Africa.
• 😋 The partnership aims to invest in cold storage facilities to support farmers, increase productivity, and reduce food wastage.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main factors holding back smallholder farmers in Africa?

Smallholder farmers in Africa are held back by factors such as lack of cold storage facilities, access to input systems, disease management, and access to credit.

Q: How will the cold storage facilities benefit farmers?

The cold storage facilities will allow farmers to store their produce and sell it when the market prices are higher, increasing their profitability. It will also support the growth of the potato industry in Africa and reduce the need for importation.

Q: How will this partnership address the issue of food wastage?

By investing in cold storage facilities, the partnership aims to reduce the amount of food wasted in the agricultural industry. Cold storage will extend the shelf life of perishable crops, reducing spoilage and allowing for better market access.

Q: What other value chains are being considered for investment?

The partnership is also considering investments in rice, cassava, and pulse value chains. They aim to catalyze African markets and create opportunities for farmers to take advantage of their own market.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Agriculture is the most important industry in Africa, with 40% of food produced going to waste and 400 million Africans relying on agriculture for income.

• The lack of cold storage facilities is a major challenge in the potato industry, leading to the importation of potato chips in Africa.

• The partnership between governments, investors, and organizations like the Alliance for Green Revolution aims to invest in cold storage facilities to increase productivity and support farmers.