The elusive quest for defining a business case

Posted on January 28, 2019 by eMKambo

If defining and executing a business case was easy, many farmers and traders in developing countries would have become business people. In spite of persistent emphasis on agribusiness from development organizations and academic institutions, business schools are not producing entrepreneurs able to translate agricultural resources from ground zero into reliable jobs, incomes and better lives Read more about The elusive quest for defining a business case[…]

What if big organizations no longer have monopoly on knowledge?

Posted on January 21, 2019 by eMKambo

Unprecedented disruption affecting the food retail sector across the globe is also spilling over into the knowledge industry. For some of the world’s biggest knowledge brokering organizations, gone are the days when a logo was enough to lure funding and command brand loyalty. For example, sources of agricultural and financial knowledge have become so diverse Read more about What if big organizations no longer have monopoly on knowledge?[…]

How can the predatory nature of development efforts be tamed?

Posted on January 14, 2019 by eMKambo

Many rural communities in low income countries are fed up with the predatory nature of external development initiatives. According to the WordWeb dictionary, a predatory animal is one that lives by catching and preying on other animals. Predatory tendencies also include living by or victimizing others for personal gain. When development agencies move into rural Read more about How can the predatory nature of development efforts be tamed?[…]

Of premature technology and information overload

Posted on January 7, 2019January 10, 2019 by eMKambo

Hundreds of mobile applications and technology platforms are launched in Africa almost every day, thanks to the promise of digital-fueled progress. Unfortunately most of the platforms (including those owned by famous mobile network providers) are trotted onto the market prematurely before sufficient pre-testing. There is also confusion between a platform, a portal, a Whatsapp group Read more about Of premature technology and information overload[…]

Two hopes for African Agriculture and rural development in 2019

Posted on January 1, 2019 by eMKambo

The fact that countries which have moved toward middle-income status have started by transforming their agriculture sector is no longer debatable. Unfortunately, out of 54 countries in Africa, Ethiopia is mentioned as the only one on the path to meaningful agricultural transformation. The rest are still running from pillar to post, chasing different prescriptions. During Read more about Two hopes for African Agriculture and rural development in 2019[…]