In our efforts at 249Startups to generate information , data and opportunities in Sudanese markets , We have launched series of forums where we will be hosting experts, Corporate executives and entrepreneurs to detect challenging areas and market gaps, and identify what opportunities lie within it, and to provide market insights and know-how on approaching specified subjects. In this series , we will be having experts and specialists to present their ideas, solutions, and also their vision for the future of Sudan in terms of Technology.
The Technology Incubation Program is implemented in both Sudan & Rwanda and funded by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) , Korea-Africa Economic Coorporation and Enable youth program , which aims to develop and promote the use of technology in agriculture. In sudan The program Implemented by Frankfurt School for Finance and Management and 249Startups, and our private sector partners CTC Group, Nile Bank, and the Federation of Chambers of Agriculture and Animal Production.
And, with the call for applicants for the Technology Incubation Program is live we are considering how the upcoming program cohort can address these challenges as well as the needs of the country in agriculture sector.
Objective
To identifying market opportunities for startups to operate in and build solutions for. Also, the challenges needed from government and private sector to contribute in.
This is done with the aim of equipping the participants with explicit knowledge about the identified markets and widen their horizons by communicating the different opportunities which lie within them, and try to direct them towards working in areas that are currently a priority for government , development & private sectors .Additionally, encourage the participants to develop solutions to address the identified challenges and gaps in the industry.
Climate Smart Agriculture
It Is about using different technologies and approaches to increase agricultural production along with reducing the carbon emissions associated with production activities to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Climate-smart agriculture is not new to farmers here in Sudan and in many other places around the world, it’s known in the form of traditional practices that work towards increasing the productivity of the land, and reducing the risk of natural phenomena such as droughts. Technology could be used to advance climate smart agriculture
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Challenges startups work on
1. Access to market:
About 80% of farming in Sudan is done by small farmers. Theses framers receive lower margins in the value chain although that they do much of the work. For this challenge to be solved there needs to be a level playing ground in the agriculture market. Startups can help in doing this by using telecommunication and information technology to provide farmers with information and facilitate group selling of their crops and connect them directly with exports and main buyers.
2. Provide data and data analytics:
Smart agriculture can provide accurate data and information for farmers to make better designs that increases productivity and reduces emissions.
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- Data collection
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Using internet of thing (IOT) technologies can help collect data about the farmer to all parties of concern and helps minimizing transactions costs. This data can help farmers mitigate climate risks bearing in mind that IOT solution are becoming cheaper and more efficient. Startups can also communicate climate change information to farmers along with solutions in how to adapt to it (like shifting to other crops or changing irrigation systems)
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- Data analytics
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satellite services are becoming digital platforms that are easier. Satellite images can provide daily customized images specifications to specific results and indicators (like less irrigated areas and type of fertilization and nutrition needed for soil).
By using these services startups can help overcome the infrastructure challenge that make it harder for agriculture and soil specialists to reach agricultural areas. These images and reports can also help monitor forestry to provide farmers with information and helps the government to enforce regulations. These images, data and reports could be sold to government agencies, research center and to local farmers using SMS.
3. Financial management:
Startups can develop digital tools to help nontraditional farmers and those who want to invest in agriculture to calculate their costs and margins.
4. Organic products:
Most of the agricultural products in Sudan can be sold abroad as organic products. Startups could help farmers with providing them with standards of organic products and market it for them abroad.
5. Solar pumping:
With ongoing shortages in diesel and fuel large projects are diverting their attention from focusing on production to securing fuel from various sources. Startups can provide solar pumping as a solution to this issue which will help stabilize production costs and reduce carbon emissions.
Partnerships :
Through partnering with farmers private sector and financial institutions startups can lower their entry barriers and leverage these partiers existing capabilities to achieve climate smart agriculture goals by increasing productivity and reducing emissions.
Financing :
Smart climate agriculture can access financing for both climate change mitigation and adaptation funds for developing countries. Funds like the green climate fund that can be accessed through the African development bank.
Startups can also access local funds. What they need is a clear and detailed business plan.
Needed contribution from government and private sector :
- Infrastructure
- Energy availability
- Clear taxation rules
- Clear Licensing for drones and other theologies
- Provide benchmark data
- Clear regulations for partnerships clear regulations and standards for organic products
This Article had been developed by 249Startups Team for purpose of learning and sharing knowledge as part of Markets Opportunities Mapping Forum .