By Omotayo Edubi
In an interview, Board Chairman of Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) Hailemariam Desalegn, said Africa contributes less and suffers more from climate change issues.
He said AGRA as a body seek instant awareness towards such issues affecting the continent at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as Conference of the Parties (COP26), taking place in Scotland, United Kingdom.
Desalegn reiterated the need to boost the resilience of African farmers and educate them on how to adapt to climate change issues and find lasting solutions to the problems.
He solicited for the youths to get involved in agriculture, transforming the sector from a backward sector to a digitally driven sector is key towards achieving an all-inclusive agro-economy.
According to the Chairman, a large number of youths are technologically sound and are aware of the opportunities that exist in the digital economy.
“Technology is playing a vital role in the adaptation of climate change.
“Individuals need to change the negative narratives and involve themselves in modern agronomic practices”, Desalegn said.
He urged that governments at all levels need to update and digitalize the food sector in order to attract the hearts of the younger generation.
He however said AGRA is working closely with smallholder farmers in educating them on modern agro-practices that are user-friendly on the African soil.
“Nigeria is a country with more than 20 million smallholder farmers; Agra is passionate about changing the economic lives of farmers both in the country and other parts of Africa.
“We are working closely with both government and the private sector towards improving food security and boosting the local production of food”, he added.
