CPTM’s new initiative – being developed with countries in southern and eastern Africa – will identify and execute high impact, commercially scaleable projects to transform the climate smart practices, yields and profitability of small-holder farmers.
Food Security
A Taskforce to Transform Small Holder Agriculture in Africa
Why Small-Holders
Small-holder farming comprises the vast majority of food production and employment in our target countries, but progress in improving yields and practices is frustratingly slow.
Changing weather, increasing soil erosion, and inflation in input prices makes this even harder. Farming is too often seen as a lifestyle, and a hard drudgery, rather than a profitable and inspiring business.
If we can address this, small-holders will be empowered and motivated to grow more and better crops, putting the region on the road to genuine food and nutrition security.
First Project: Regional Fund for Commodity Processing Hubs for Outgrowers
This project will establish a regional fund, based in Zambia, to support a new generation of Commodity Processing Hubs for Outgrowers – focusing initially on the staples (e.g. maize, wheat, grains) with the intention of doubling outgrower (small-holder) yields within two seasons.
The hubs will have Agro-Processing facilities, i.e. grading, drying and storage, to minimize post-harvest losses and allow Value Chain processing, together with Demonstrator Farms and extension training teams. This will enable value addition and enhance the ability of small-holders to optimise their revenues.
Second Project: AgriFoodTech Innovation Fund & Eco-system
This is a collboration of neighbouring countries to create a world-class AgriFoodTech eco-system that is focused on Small-holder Tech.
It will comprise a new Innovation Fund, based in Rwanda, with two components; Seed funding (invested in partnership with in-country Tech Accelerators), and scale-up funding. The intention is to increase liquidity and activity in the AgriFoodTech start-up space, sufficient to attract Venture Capital engagement in the region.
Supporting the fund will be a parallel Taskforce of Government and private Stakeholders. This group will identify and execute policy, capacity and regulatory measures needed to fast track AgriFoodTech adoption across the region.
New Lead Advisors
CPTM is pleased to appoint two new Lead Advisors to support these new initiatives. They have substantial experience in their respective fields in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and former Soviet Union
Trevor Bullen
Lead Advisor, Agro-Industrial & Commodity Processing Hub Operations
Sean de Cleene
Lead Advisor, AgriFoodTech Innovation Fund