AFRICAN ASSOCIATION FOR VERTICAL FARMING
Help Africa Sustain Africa
AAVF Launch in Johannesburg April 2019
The inaugural conference by the African Association for Vertical Farming (AAVF), held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus, on 9-10 April 2019, was positively received and applauded.
This is an initiative that many in the industry have long been waiting for: there was a diverse mix of participants from varying cultures, backgrounds and age groups, these included: farmers, agri-business owners, investment institutions, research organizations, hydroponic experts, humanitarian workers, youth and female uplift associations.
All were there to learn about the new and emerging farming technologies and the new AAVF platform that has been created, allowing everyone to take part in innovative sustainable food solutions for Africa.
“FOOD PRODUCTION SHOULD NOT BE SEASONAL, BECAUSE HUNGER IS NOT SEASONAL” A message that was given by Mr. Samson Ogbole, Member of AAVF and founder of PS Neutraceutical, Nigeria.
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Our new AAVF Member. Young and daring African vertical farming entrepreneur, Zandile Kumalo, Director: HyHarvest (Pty) showed us what it takes to get your business off the ground, with very little help from investors.
Participants received the inside track on how to tackle the challenges of building your Vertical Farm from the ground up.
“Start-up to profit, from one stage of growth to the next, while navigating the challenges and the changing demands of customers.”
Ms. Kumalo is an extraordinary example to young farmers as the above statements clearly show her strong persistence in the business. Her love for her community also shows younger Africans that you can still stay in your communities and prosper while developing what is around you.
Food security is a predominant concern for the citizens of Africa, but there seems to be a lack of dedicated organizations focussed on solving it. When food issues arise, the vulnerable are the first to be hit. With variable solutions to be discussed and vertical farming being part of the sustainable solutions.
Vertical Farming in Africa was seen as a far-fetched technology, only accessible to those few who can afford it; AAVF would like to prove the opposite. Agri Technology is and should be accessible for and to everyone!
Vertical Farming in Africa; Opportunities for Transformation was presented by Mrs. Veronica Shangali Aswani, Co-Founder/Director, WAVUNOW an African Women in Agriculture Uplift program. At the heart of Ms. Shangali's message was that: “to be truly innovative, you must be ready to forecast the future.” She encouraged all participants to learn how to use “new technology” to drive innovation to the next level.
Mrs. Shangali shook the audience by clearly empowering women, encouraging them to go forward and not be afraid to learn about new farming methods and the technologies that will improve their agricultural activities. #accessible #empoweringwomen #innovation #foodsecurity.
