AGRA

The two-day meet is set to reshape the poultry landscape in the region and neighbouring countries, fostering collaboration and innovation to overcome sector challenges and enhance food security.

Dar es Salaam, 16-17th October… The Government of Tanzania, the Food Action Alliance, and AGRA, in collaboration with partners across Africa’s poultry sector, are convening the Poultry Futures Forum in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This two-day forum aims to unlock the poultry industry’s potential as a critical driver of food security, economic development, and employment in the region.

The Forum will spotlight the pivotal roles of youth and women in the poultry sector, recognising their unique contributions and challenges. Young farmers will present innovative solutions to food systems experts through workshops, mentorship, and panel discussions, gaining valuable insights and connections for a sustainable future. Women will be acknowledged as catalysts for change, particularly in addressing issues such as funds, training, and market access.

“This forum provides a unique opportunity to address the difficulties that have long affected the poultry industry in the region while also underlining the important part that youth and women play in its future. Through regional collaboration and dialogues, we can unlock investments and innovation, which can enable our smallholder farmers. The poultry sector has enormous potential for promoting food security and driving inclusive and sustainable growth, benefiting millions in the region,” said H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, AGRA Board Chair and former Prime Minister, Ethiopia.

With poultry demand expected to rise by 3.8% each year, the meeting will provide an opportunity to explore the sector’s role in reducing malnutrition, particularly because poultry remains the most affordable source of animal protein in the region. The event is scheduled to coincide with World Food Day 2024 and the Tanzania Poultry Show.

By the end of the event, participants will develop action plans to drive sector growth while tackling important issues such as market access, funding, and sustainability. The goal is to improve the livelihoods of 10 million people in Tanzania and its neighbouring Southern African countries while also fostering inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability through a collaborative Southern African Poultry Initiative.

The Forum will provide a collaborative platform for all stakeholders—policymakers, private sector leaders, agripreneurs, and youth—to work together to generate long-term change in the poultry sector, boosting food security and sustainable economic growth throughout the region.

About AGRA

Founded in 2006, AGRA, formerly known as the Alliance for Green Revolution is an African-led African-based organisation that seeks to catalyse Agriculture Transformation in Africa. AGRA is focused on putting smallholder farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into farming as a business that thrives. As the sector that employs the majority of Africa’s people, nearly all of them small-scale farmers, AGRA recognizes that developing smallholder agriculture into a productive, efficient, and sustainable system is essential to ensuring food security, lifting millions out of poverty, and driving equitable growth across the continent.

For media interviews and enquiries: media@agra.org

The need for Uganda to increase investments in agro-based industries to spur economic growth came into sharp focus at the Regional Industrialization Conference held from 24^th to 25^th September in Kampala, Uganda.

In a keynote address at the conference, the AGRA Uganda Country Director, Mr. David Wozemba, highlighted the important role of agro-industrialization in promoting economic development in the country. He noted that AGRA’s areas of work are integrated, allowing it to contribute to fostering a sustainable food system that creates long term impact.

The two-day conference brought together policymakers, development partners, and industrialization experts to explore climate smart solutions for sustainable industrialization.

He noted that despite agriculture’s declining contribution to GDP, now at 24% compared to 50% in 1995, the sector remains crucial to the economic growth of the country as it employs about 70% of Uganda’s working population.  Mr. Wozemba noted that agro-industrialization has the potential to address unemployment, boost exports, and ensure food security. This requires investment in food processing and packaging industries to address shifting consumer demands to capture emerging market opportunities.

The conference comes at a time when the government has begun implementing the Parish Development Model (PDM), an initiative aimed at stimulating economic growth, by channelling resources to the parish level to empower local communities to identify and develop their own ventures based on local resources and market demands.

The Minster of State for Investment and Privatization, Hon. Evelyn Anite, who was the chief guest at the conference, noted that, PDM is designed to provide local communities at parish level with increased access to credit, improved inputs, and training on modern farming practices to improve livelihoods and create employment opportunities at a local level. “PDM is expected to boost agricultural production and encourage value addition at the local level which will increases farmers’ incomes and strengthen the agricultural value chains, in the long run,” Hon. Anite said.

However, Mr. Wozemba noted that PDM is still facing challenges, including data gaps and the need for comprehensive community and market profiling that requires adequate funding.

He observed that the key to Uganda’s economic strategy is diversifying agricultural exports beyond primary commodities to enhance the country’s economic resilience and competitiveness on a global scale.

He emphasized the importance of skills development, entrepreneurship promotion, and a supportive policy environment to actualize the employment opportunities.

Mr. Wozemba called for collaboration between policymakers, private sector actors, and development partners to address challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and market access. “As development partners, we seek strategic alignment between national plans and investments that foster job creation, poverty reduction, and food security,” he noted.

As a call to action, he asked stakeholders to urgently rationalize and prioritize the value-chains that are the focus of the future national agro-industrialization efforts under the 4^th National Development Plan (NDP IV). “Large and persistent agricultural productivity gaps, in almost all agricultural enterprises, must be narrowed if adequate raw materials are to be made available to existing and planned agro-industries,” Mr Wozemba said.

He called for clarity on the appropriate role of Government of Uganda in promoting agro-industrial sector growth. “There is need for increased budgetary support to create a more-enabling environment, including electricity grid expansion, land tenure security, effective regulatory environment for agricultural inputs, cost-effective agricultural research and extension, testing facilities”. He also emphasized the need to urgently address the uncertain state of agricultural and agro-industrial sector statistics.

Smallholder farmers to receive training, resources and financing to increase the share of food that reaches the market

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 24, 2024) – Today, several of the world’s largest farm-gate-facing agriculture companies and important national agriculture companies – including Olam Agri, ITC Limited, Sereni Fries Ltd, Kinazi Cassava Plant (KCP), Spice World Ltd, ETG and Premier Foods Ltd (PFL) – announced a joint commitment to help the farmers in their supply chains reduce on-farm food losses by 50% by 2030.

Together, these companies work with hundreds of thousands of farmers worldwide, forming a powerful alliance of multinational, national, and regional businesses, including in Africa. Their pre-competitive collaboration offers an opportunity for sharing knowledge and best practices to address food loss — a critical issue in the global supply chain.

“About 40% of the global food supply is lost or wasted between farms and people’s plates. We know from recent research that food loss on farms is a much bigger problem than previously thought, and it’s happening across the globe – not just in developing countries, as many believe,” said Sunny Verghese, Co-founder & Group CEO, Olam Group and Co-Chair of Champions 12.3, the coalition of executives that has organized the new on-farm food loss initiative. “This enormous waste hurts farmer incomes, food security, the climate, and costs over a trillion dollars every year.”

According to new research from Champions 12.3, the world is at risk of missing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses, by 2030.

The term ‘food loss’ refers to food that is unharvested or spoils before reaching the market, while ‘food waste’ refers to food that is thrown out or otherwise wasted by retailers and consumers. Food losses happen on farms for a variety of reasons, including poor harvesting practices, inadequate storage, changes in demand and a lack of alternative markets.

“Right now, we are not on track to meet the UN’s target on food loss and waste. But if enough governments and companies can prioritize the issue – as those that are part of today’s announcement have – we may still be able to realize significant benefits for people and the planet,” said Verghese.

The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that halving food loss and waste alone could cut total greenhouse gas emissions by up to 5 percent. It is also an important strategy for ensuring sufficient food in a world where nearly 1 in 3 people faces moderate or severe food insecurity.

Farmgate-facing agriculture companies are crucial to combating food losses via initiatives often referred to as ‘out-grower programs’, which provide training, capacity-building, finance and access to technology and markets. In developing countries, these companies are especially important as farmer aggregators, engaging with farmers who are otherwise hard to reach.

This support is vital given that, worldwide, 84 percent of farmers are smallholders – meaning they manage less than two hectares of land – yet they produce 32 percent of all food globally.

“Reducing farm-related agri and food wastages is a core objective of ITC’s sustainability agenda. Multi-dimensional initiatives leverage technology and innovation to empower farmers through advanced climate smart practices, know-how and technical assistance. Extensive on-ground support is provided to scale appropriate solutions to improve productivity, resilience and reduce food losses,” said Sanjiv Puri, Chairman of ITC Limited. “At the core is ITCMAARS, a ‘phygital’ ecosystem specially designed to offer a suite of tech-enabled solutions. Our Agri team will continue to intensify its efforts to support farmer producer organizations in the efficient handling of farm produce, improve productivity and progressively take site-specific action in climate hotspots – thereby ensuring that agri-food loss is addressed at critical points.”

“PFL is committed to achieving a net zero target for operational emissions as well as a zero waste to landfill target by 2025. As we engage with thousands of small-scale farmers in our value chain, we also promote sustainable agricultural practices,” said Martin Munyiri, General Manager of Premier Foods Ltd. “This initiative is essential to our farmers as it will enhance on-farm activities to improve productivity and minimize food loss and waste. By equipping farmers with the necessary expertise, resources, and innovative tools, we aim to implement effective solutions that positively impact their livelihoods and the broader community.”

The new farm-level effort follows the “target-measure-act” model pioneered by Champions 12.3 in its 10x20x30 initiative, which works with retailers and their suppliers to combat food loss and waste. Over the past three years, 248 retailers and suppliers have joined 10x20x30, and those actively measuring and publicly reporting their data have already achieved an average 15.4% reduction in food loss and waste.

Additional Quotes from Participating Companies

“Tackling farm losses optimizes supply chains, creating a ripple effect of benefits for smallholder farmers and consumers. As Sereni Fries Ltd, we are committed to reducing on-farm food losses by providing technical support to our smallholder farmers, helping them improve potato production practices and minimize material rejects. Through this initiative we see expanding interventions to include innovative range of products to utilize produce what would otherwise be discarded.”  — Humphrey Mburu, CEO, Sereni Fries Ltd

“Climate change is undermining farmers’ incomes and food security. The sector will need to find more supply chain efficiencies and tackle post-harvest losses and food waste where possible to secure a healthy future. At ETG we work with more than 3 million smallholder farmers through our various commodity supply chains, mostly in Sub-Sahara Africa, and we are launching various initiatives to create more value in food supply chains to benefit farmers and consumers´ livelihoods and environment.”  — André van den Beld, Head of Sustainability, ETG

“As a leading agro-processing company in Kenya, Spice World Ltd is committed to producing safe, natural, and nutritious food that not only improves the health and well-being of people but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices. Partnering with WRI on the 10x20kx30 initiative is a crucial step in our journey to reducing food loss and waste, challenges that not only threaten food security but also impact livelihoods, climate, and natural resources.  We believe this collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to responsibly source and deliver nutritious food products while making a positive impact on the environment and society.”  — Beju Shah, Managing Director, Spice World Ltd

Quotes from Supporting Organizations

“Each year, it’s estimated 1.2 billion tons of food is lost on farms globally. A key issue is the lack of data on how much food is left on farms; whether it’s marketable, can be profitably harvested and distributed, or is spoiled. WWF and partners are addressing this by working with farmers and buyers using the Global Farm Loss Tool to reduce waste and get more of what is grown to people.” — Pete Pearson, Global Initiative Lead – Food Loss and Waste, WWF

“As Wageningen University & Research we are excited about the launching of the 10x20kx30 initiative. Supporting smallholder farmers in reducing FL is critical in view of multiple development goals. A great example is the reduction of food loss in Nigerian rice smallholder farmers, as pioneered by WUR and partners. WUR is proud to contribute to the 10x20kx30 initiative, which will be instrumental to scale the efforts to reduce food loss and waste and benefit smallholders.” — Sjoukje Heimovaara, President of the Executive Board, Wageningen University & Research

“The CGF Food Waste Coalition is dedicated to the ‘Target, Measure, Act’ approach across the whole value chain. Alongside the new 10x20Kx30 initiative, our members are working closely with growers in their supply chains to measure and report post-harvest losses via World Wildlife Fund’s Global Farm Loss Tool. Supporting farmers is crucial, as they are key to ensuring a sustainable food system and significantly reducing food losses.” — Wai-Chan Chan, Managing Director, The Consumer Goods Forum

“It is gratifying to see increasing interest and support for developing and utilizing systematic food loss measurement tools.  Our early work with WWF, WRI and FAO to develop protocols and measure losses have supported the goals of Champions 12.3 and resulted in sharing practical knowledge, skills and food loss and waste reduction practices as part of PEF’s “Training of Postharvest Trainers” programs in Africa and South Asia.” — Dr. Lisa Kitinoja, Founder, The Postharvest Education Foundation

February 14, Kampala, UGANDA – Africa’s agrifood sector holds significant untapped potential to deliver jobs and livelihoods for the continent’s rapidly growing youth population, according to a new report.

 The latest publication from the Malabo Montpellier Panel highlighted how 11 million young people join the African labor market each year, yet only 3.7 million jobs are being created. At the same time, the African agricultural economy is now the fastest growing across all continents, powered by a rapidly rising processing sector, with combined food and beverage markets forecast to triple in value to US$1 trillion by 2030.  With the right innovative policies, African governments can stimulate new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people along agribusiness value chains, while equipping and incentivizing youths to join the sector, the authors found. 

“YOUTH AHEAD: Policy Innovations to Create Opportunities for Young People in Africa’s Agrifood Systems” argues that agrifood systems provide an important channel for solving the unemployment and underemployment challenges facing African youth and strengthening them will reduce poverty and bolster food security on the continent. 

“Africa’s agrifood sector offers extraordinary potential for attractive, profitable, and sustainable jobs for our rising youth population, that will in turn help address the continent’s food security challenges,” said Dr. Ousmane Badiane, Executive Chairperson, AKADEMIYA2063, and Co-Chair of the Malabo Montpellier Panel. 

“Innovative strategies to attract and support Africa’s youth to succeed with the right skills, technology, and policy environment would boost the pace of employment creation to meet the growing labor demands in the decades ahead. Our report recommends policies to help create these opportunities, including targeted education, training, enterprise creation and growth support, and technology infrastructure.”

 Launched at the 13th Malabo Montpellier Forum in Kampala, Uganda, the report reviews four systematically selected African countries – Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe – as case studies of how innovative policies and institutional reforms can shift the needle on youth empowerment in food systems.

 This report provides examples of successful and emerging interventions being implemented across the continent to empower youth and facilitate a thriving environment for their leadership and engagement in sustainable food systems transformation.

 It identifies opportunities to unlock decent jobs and livelihoods along the agri-food value chain, from crop breeding and research and development to harvesting, processing, and trade. The authors make a critical recommendation for African governments to diversify education and training programs to develop and upgrade skills that facilitate entrepreneurship and employment for young Africans in agriculture and agribusiness.

 In Ghana, initiatives such as the Youth Employment Agency Bill and the National Youth Policy were cited as examples of efforts to upskill and support youth to enter the agri-food sector. As part of its plan to industrialize agriculture, increase food security and employment opportunities, and lower poverty rates, the country launched the Youth in Agriculture Programme (YIAP), which deployed youth-focused initiatives to change the negative perception of farmers as uneducated, unskilled laborers with low economic returns.

 The authors found that youth-focused institutions and programs in Uganda, such as the Presidential Zonal Industrial Hubs, the Uganda Industrial Research Institute Innovation Centre, and the Youth Livelihood Programme are providing young people with marketable skills in agri-food processing and product development, ICT, agricultural mechanization, and entrepreneurship. To further support digital transformation, the government launched the Digital Skills Acceleration Program and the Digital Transformation Program, which aim to increase access and usage of ICT by vulnerable groups, including small-scale farmers.

 In Zambia, the government set up the Skills Development Levy to mobilize resources that can be invested in youth empowerment, notably in strengthening the infrastructure of technical and vocational training institutions. Through the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA),  the TEVET bursary enables vulnerable youth to benefit from skills training, including courses in general agriculture, food and beverage production, automotive mechanics engineering, electrical engineering, and computer studies.  

The report also looks at policy interventions in Zimbabwe, highlighting the innovation hubs in higher education institutions that provide technical and research-based solutions for skills enhancement in the country’s labor force. Introduced under the framework of the country’s Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy, these hubs equip students with specific industrial skills to enable them to operate entrepreneurially with the capacity to incubate any businesses they create. Beneficiary sectors include agriculture, energy, and mining.

“Attracting youth to the agrifood sector and enabling them to play an active role in shaping African food systems must go hand-in-hand with leveraging the potential of new technologies for the industry,” said Eng. Dr. Dorothy Okello, Dean, School of Engineering, Makerere University, and Malabo Montpellier Panel Member.

“Harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit of Africa’s youth alongside developments such as AI and emerging technologies while investing in transferable skills training in areas such as computer programming and embedded systems, data science, and business studies, will maximize the potential of young people to advance Africa’s agrifood and economic transformation.” 

Other recommendations to support African governments in empowering youth in agrifood systems include addressing trade barriers and investing in technology infrastructure for jobs, involving youth in policy formulation and decision-making, and addressing green growth and employment agendas with youth as investors.

“The active involvement of young people in Africa’s agrifood systems is essential for the continent’s economic development and peace,” said Prof. Joachim von Braun, Distinguished Professor, Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, and Co-Chair of the Malabo Montpellier Panel.

“Reaping the full benefits of the enterprising spirit of Africa’s youth will require access to finance, skills and land, and respect for youth voice in political decision-making processes”.

NAIROBI, March 9, 2023 –AGRA has launched a call for applications for the 2023 Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) that recognise African female agripreneurs demonstrating remarkable Innovation and business excellence in agricultural value chains.

The winning agripreneurs, who will be unveiled during the 2023 AGRF Summit, will receive a total of $85,000 in grant funding. To be eligible for WAYA, businesses must be operating in an agriculture or agribusiness value chain, be a legal entity registered in a country that is a member state of the African Union, and at least 51% owned and managed by one or more women who are citizens of one of the 55 African countries. Entries are submitted online on this link until May 31, 2023.

Applications are being received in three categories: Young female Agripreneur (for those under the age of 35 years and have demonstrated innovation and leadership in business); Outstanding Value Adding Enterprise (for female-owned agribusinesses that are increasing the economic value and/or consumer appeal to agricultural products); and Female Ag-Tech Innovator (those championing technological advancement in agribusiness); and an Overall Grand Prize winner will be determined as the candidate that demonstrates the best potential for scale.

Speaking at the launch event, AGRA’s Vice President for Strategic Partnerships & Chief of Party, Vanessa Adams said: “Women’s participation and recognition in this agriculture sector has been historically overlooked. That’s why we believe it’s essential to shine a spotlight on women who are making a significant contribution to the agricultural industry through their innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. By recognising the undeniable contribution of women to African food systems, we hope to inspire and encourage more women to pursue careers in the agricultural sector”. 

Last year, Oluyemisi Iranloye, the Managing Director of Psaltry International from Nigeria, scooped the Overall Grand Prize for her cassava processing initiative. Fatou Manneh, the Founder of Jelmah Herbella, from The Gambia, won in the Young Female Agripreneur category; Uwintwari Liliane, the CEO of Mahwi Tech from Rwanda, won the Female Ag Tech Innovator; and Célia Chabi, the CEO of KIEL BIEN-ÊTRE from Benin won in the Outstanding Value Adding Enterprise category.

About AGRA

Founded in 2006, AGRA, is an African-led African-based organization that seeks to catalyse Agriculture Transformation in Africa. AGRA is focused on putting smallholder farmers at the centre of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into farming as a business that thrives. As the sector that employs the majority of Africa’s people, nearly all of them small-scale farmers, AGRA recognizes that developing smallholder agriculture into a productive, efficient, and sustainable system is essential to ensuring food security, lifting millions out of poverty, and driving equitable growth across the continent.

About WAYA 

The VALUE4HER Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) is an AGRA led recognition initiative launched in 2021 under AGRA’s flagship VALUE4HER initiative that seeks to strengthen women agripreneurship in Africa. The Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) recognizes African female agripreneurs who have excelled in the agricultural value chains and have demonstrated remarkable innovation by contributing positively towards food security, climate resilience, women and youth empowerment. The awards aim to create visibility for successful women and promote them as positive role models, trigger innovation, and spur ambition among women agripreneurs.

For media interviews and enquiries: 
Contact Jean Kiarie
Head of Communications
AGRA
+254 722 719 070
jkiarie@agra.org 

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Mejury Shiri, VALUE4HER Coordinator and WAYA Lead: mshiri@agra.org.

Monaco, November 26, 2022 – AGRA’s President, Dr. Agnes Kalibata has been celebrated by Prince Albert II of Monaco for leading efforts towards Africa’s food security and prosperity through inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth to secure livelihoods of millions of smallholders farmer since 2014.

Dr Kalibata was a laureate at the 15^th annual Awards for Planetary Health by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The awards honor personalities and organisations who have shown remarkable commitment to the preservation of the Planet.

Speaking after receiving her award, Dr. Kalibata expressed her gratitude for the recognition. 

“We are not on track to achieve the SDG Goal of “Zero Hunger” by 2030. This is made more difficult by climate change. Agriculture is a major part of the climate problem. It currently generates 19–29% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Without action, that percentage could rise substantially. I am honored to receive this award today. But it is not just for me. It is also an award acknowledging that we must continue our push to support African smallholder farmers – as they look to increase their agriculture production for more food security and increased incomes, they must do this while having choices to use modern technologies and practices that take care of environment.”

In his opening address at the award ceremony, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco emphasised that while the Foundation’s Awards for Planetary Health reward inspiring personalities for their work in favour of water, climate, and biodiversity, they also reward the paths they have chosen. Those of “politics and collective action; science and research; industry and innovation. Three areas that we must constantly mobilise, for it is with them that we make progress”. The Sovereign Prince underlined the importance of the 2022 laureates’ commitment: “At a time when our planet is once again experiencing open conflicts that tend to push environmental issues aside, there has never been a better time to give a voice to those who seek to protect it”.

The other laureates in the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s 15^th annual Awards for Planetary Health were: Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of the British Antarctic Survey, a research centre of the Natural Environment Research Council; and Dr. Ido Sella, the CEO and  co-founder of ECOncrete Tech, whose mission is to change the gold standard, transforming the way our concrete coasts look and function, so that where the ocean meets the shore, life thrives – above and below the water.

Ends…

About AGRA

Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution that puts smallholder farmers at the center of the continent’s growing economy by transforming agriculture from a solitary struggle to survive into farming as a business that thrives. Together with our partners, we are working to sustainably grow Africa’s food systems. AGRA strengthens seed systems, develops and promotes sustainable farming practices, helps unlock trade and markets, and supports governments who lead their countries’ development. We work with farmers to adapt to climate change, increase soil health, and protect the environment.  AGRA believes deeply in the urgency of reducing the inequality that women face in agriculture, and to unlocking the power and innovation of youth.     

More information: https://agra.org/

“I wanted to create these awards to show my support to exceptional men and women who are committed to saving our planet.”

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco

On Friday November 25th, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation held its 15th annual Awards Ceremony for Planetary Health in the Salle Garnier at the Monte-Carlo Opera House. Since 2008, the Foundation’s Awards have honoured personalities and organisations who have shown remarkable commitment to the preservation of the Planet.

In His opening address, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco emphasised that while the Foundation’s Awards for Planetary Health reward inspiring personalities for their work in favour of water, climate, and biodiversity, they also reward the paths they have chosen. Those of “politics and collective action; science and research; industry and innovation. Three areas that we must constantly mobilise, for it is with them that we make progress”. The Sovereign Prince underlined the importance of the 2022 laureates’ commitment: “At a time when our planet is once again experiencing open conflicts that tend to push environmental issues aside, there has never been a better time to give a voice to those who seek to protect it.

The Sovereign Prince then welcomed the three laureates on stage to present them with their distinctions. 

Dr. Agnes Kalibata, former Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda and President of AGRA, where she has been leading efforts to ensure Africa’s food security and prosperity through inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth to secure the livelihoods of millions of smallholders since 2014. Upon receiving her award, Dr. Agnes Kalibata expressed her honour for this recognition. “We are not on track to achieve the SDG Goal of “Zero Hunger” by 2030. This is made more difficult by climate change – the challenge of our time. Agriculture is a major part of the climate problem. It currently generates 19–29% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Without action, that percentage could rise substantially (…) I am honored to receive this award today. But it is not just for me. It is also an award acknowledging that we must continue our push to support African smallholder farmers – as they look to increase their agriculture production for more food security and increased incomes, they must do this while having choices to use modern technologies and practices that take care of environment.”

Professor Dame Jane Francis, a geologist by training, is Director of the British Antarctic Survey, a research centre of the Natural Environment Research Council (UKRI-NERC). She is involved in international polar organisations, such as the Antarctic Treaty and the European Polar Council, and serves on several advisory boards of national polar programmes. “It is a great honour to receive this award and I do so on behalf of all the excellent scientists who work with me at the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge and many colleagues around the world who are dedicated to understanding the changes happening to the polar regions. I am sure that we are all aware that the polar regions are changing fast (…) What happens in these regions affects us all, even as we sit here today. As the ice sheets melt the sea level is rising across the planet, affecting billions of people who live near the coasts, affecting cities and business supply chains.”

Last but not least, an award was presented to Dr. Ido Sella, on behalf of ECOncrete Tech, an interdisciplinary scientific company made up of biologists, ecologists, environmental engineers, designers, concrete technology specialists among others. ECOncrete’s mission is to change the gold standard, transforming the way our concrete coasts look and function, so that where the ocean meets the shore, life thrives – above and below the water.

Dr. Ido Sella, CEO and Co-founder, thanked the Sovereign Prince and His Foundation for the recognition of ECOncrete’s work to develop marine biodiversity in the coastal environment. “With the majority of human population residing along coastlines, and the intensive process of coastal armoring due to increased storminess and prediction to sea level rise, an increased focus should be given to the neutral marine resources that are supporting precious ecosystem services – such as biodiversity, carbon sequestration, nursery grounds, and many others. (…) Today, as we work with cities, governments, industries and communities to change the way future waterfronts will look and function, and make marine life thrive where it couldn’t before, we are more committed than ever to this quest.”

Following the presentation of the Awards by the Sovereign Prince, a short documentary film was shown to the public, “The Church Forests of Ethiopia” produced by WaterBear, the first interactive streaming platform dedicated to the future of our planet. The film shed light on the forests that surround churches in Ethiopia, offering pockets of lush biodiversity in the middle of desert plains. The screening echoed the new Forests & Communities Initiative (FCI) launched in 2022 by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation alongside founding partners IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law, the International Federation of Rangers and the Global Forest Coalition with the aim of actively and sustainably protect forests and their biodiversity through the actions of indigenous peoples and local communities.  

The ceremony followed with a round table discussion with the laureates and Ellen Windemuth, founder of WaterBear. The discussion allowed participants to share their views and expertise on the environmental upheavals we are facing today and the means we have to address them.

The award ceremony marked the end of an eventful day for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which had earlier in the day held a meeting of its Board of Directors and Branch Presidents.

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

Founded by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco in 2006, the Foundation is a global non-profit organisation committed to progressing planetary health for current and future generations by co-creating initiatives and supporting hundreds of projects across the world. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation focuses its efforts on three main areas of action: climate change, biodiversity, and water resources, in the following main geographical areas: the Mediterranean basin, the polar regions and the least developed countries. The Foundation has so far granted + 92 million euros to finance more than + 720 projects that focus on limiting the effects of climate change, promoting renewable energy, protecting the oceans, preserving biodiversity, managing water resources, and combating deforestation. More information on www.fpa2.org

Contact :

Nadège Massé

Communication Director

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

nmasse@fpa2.org