Interview with Ali Tarek Aboelyazied (Part 1)
Ali is a community Developer Manager & Project manager at Nilepreneurs, a nationwide initiative that supports the development and growth of startup & small and medium businesses (SMEs) in various sectors, with a focus on technology & innovation. For 3 years at Nilepreneurs, Ali focused on significant projects like Agrogate Maser, a platform for agricultural education in Egypt, and the Unigreen Competition, aimed at engaging youth in climate action for sustainable development.
Ali is a community Developer Manager & Project manager at Nilepreneurs, a nationwide initiative that supports the development and growth of startup & small and medium businesses (SMEs) in various sectors, with a focus on technology & innovation. For 3 years at Nilepreneurs, Ali focused on significant projects like Agrogate Maser, a platform for agricultural education in Egypt, and the Unigreen Competition, aimed at engaging youth in climate action for sustainable development.
Egypt’s sustainability landscape is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by several key factors. Firstly, there’s a noticeable shift across sectors towards sustainability, supported by government initiatives and rising private sector interest. As for example we at Nilepreneurs, focusing on impactful sectors like agriculture through projects like Agrogate Masr.
Secondly, support mechanisms are evolving beyond mere funding, offering comprehensive resources like training workshops and mentorship programs. Additionally, innovative financing options such as green bonds – green bonds are financial tools used to raise money for projects that benefit the environment, like renewable energy or sustainable agriculture. – are emerging, promising further avenues for sustainable ventures.
Crucially, collaboration is driving progress, exemplified by initiatives like Unigreen competition , which bring together diverse stakeholders as funded by the European Union, led by Life Makers Foundation and Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, in collaboration with Samsung, Nile University, Egyptian Food Bank and governmental partnerships & facilitated by Nilepreneurs. While challenges persist, such as accessing financing and bureaucratic hurdles, the increasing focus on sustainability from both public and private actors bodes well for overcoming these obstacles.
Transitioning to greener farming in Egypt requires a multi-pronged approach, and the good news is, there’s a growing movement to support this shift. Here’s what I see as the key ingredients:
Imagine a farmer struggling with parasite like “Nematoda” and don’t know who to deal with it or how to protect the farm from such parasite, will through an online platform like Agrogate Masr to help in spreading the knowledge and know-how, so they can access educational resources on dealing with such parasite. Training programs and workshops also play a vital role, providing farmers with hands-on experience and the latest sustainable farming methods. Sharing success stories and best practices through case studies and field visits can further inspire them.
Let’s face it, adopting new practices often requires some initial investment. Government support through subsidies or tax breaks can incentivize farmers to make the switch. Additionally, the rise of green financing options, like green bonds specifically designed for sustainable projects, holds promise for the future. These could unlock new funding avenues for farmers, allowing them to invest in technologies or infrastructure that support sustainable practices.
Innovation can be a game-changer. Precision agriculture, which uses sensors and data analysis, can help farmers optimize water usage, fertilizer application, and pest control. This not only reduces environmental impact but also improves efficiency and yields. Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources like solar or wind power for irrigation and farm operations can significantly reduce the agricultural sector’s carbon footprint.
Remember the Unigreen competition? That’s a great example of how collaboration between young minds, researchers, policymakers, and businesses can spark innovative solutions. A supportive ecosystem is essential. When farmers, researchers, and businesses work together, they can share knowledge, resources, and best practices, accelerating the transition to sustainable agriculture.
Upgrading irrigation systems to minimize water loss is crucial in water-scarce regions like Egypt. Additionally, ensuring farmers have access to markets that value sustainable practices provides a strong economic incentive for them to adopt greener methods.
Remember, transitioning to a more sustainable agricultural system is a journey, not a destination. But with a focus on these key resources and a collaborative spirit, Egypt’s agricultural sector can become a leader in eco-friendly practices, ensuring a greener future for all.