Unlocking Regenerative Agriculture: Insights from the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit
At last month’s World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit held in Dubai, industry leaders convened to discuss how technology can revive regenerative agriculture opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa. A highlights panel featured Christine Gould, founder and CEO of GIGA Futures, who emphasized the critical need for an integrated approach in agtech solutions.
Building an Integrated Tech Stack
Gould pointed out the significant potential that lies in combining various agtech solutions into a cohesive framework. “The question I always ask is: who’s building the integrated tech stack?” she said, noting that many current agtech innovations tend to tackle singular issues, such as improving yields or enhancing water-use efficiency.
“We have an abundance of compelling solutions readily available that represent isolated interventions. However, when these solutions are combined, they can yield far more significant results,” she added. For instance, integrating advancements in genetics with soil amendments and harvesting technologies could lead to enhanced environmental outcomes and better yields.
Introducing Food 3.0: The Next Evolution
According to Gould, the agriculture landscape has evolved through key stages: Food 1.0, characterized by sustainable but low productivity; and Food 2.0, which prioritized productivity at the expense of sustainability. “Now, with Food 3.0, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture where we can innovate a food system that is sustainable, productive, and fulfilling,” she explained.
This vision for the future of food requires a harmonious blend of traditional methods and cutting-edge technology, merging scientific knowledge with deep-rooted agricultural wisdom. “By integrating the vast knowledge of local farmers—honed over generations—with innovative approaches from the region, we can unleash extraordinary potential,” Gould asserted.
A Regional Approach to Innovation
Gould, drawing from her extensive experience in the MENA region and her work with the Goumbook MENA Regenerative Agriculture Initiative, has witnessed the emergence of world-class agricultural technologies developed specifically to meet regional needs. “This exciting frontier allows regional players to create solutions tailored for local challenges, while also presenting opportunities to unleash Food 3.0,” she noted.
Entrepreneurship Meets Scientific Research
She also underscored the importance of fostering entrepreneurial skills alongside scientific expertise. “By equipping researchers with entrepreneurial acumen and connecting them with local mentors familiar with the regional funding landscape, we can catalyze innovation,” Gould explained.
This dual approach aims to accelerate positive impacts while developing viable business models without relying solely on imported technology. “We can look to successful startups in other markets for insights into their business models. This knowledge can empower local innovators to generate impactful solutions that are not only effective but also founded in local practices,” she said. “Creating this unique blend of global and local ecosystems is essential for fostering sustainable agtech innovation.”
In conclusion, the potential to revolutionize agriculture in the MENA region lies in a synergistic approach that marries local wisdom with innovative technologies—a strategy that can pave the way for a sustainable, productive food future.
