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October 3, 2019

This newsletter is inspired by my latest research analysis report on Connected Next Generation Post-Harvest Logistics in Emerging Countries.

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INFRASTRUCTURE

KENYA SIGNS MOU FOR POTENTIAL 80MW SOLAR-WIND-STORAGE PLANT WITH JAPAN’S EURUS ENERGY
September 3, 2019 - Energy Storage News
Energy Storage News is reporting that a public-private partnership MoU has been signed between Japanese and Australian developers and Kenyan authorities towards building a large-scale hybrid energy facility. According to the article, this $150 million Meru County Energy Park is a first in Africa as it combines wind, solar PV, and battery storage in one facility. Construction is set for 2021. Toyota Tsusho is noted as a major shareholder in the Japanese developer, Eurus Energy Holdings, and is said to currently have a variety of businesses in all 54 African countries.
https://www.energy-storage.news/news/kenya-signs-mou-for-potential-80mw-solar-wind-storage-plant-with-japans-eur?utm_source=rss-feeds&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=general

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TECHNOLOGY

"FRUIT AND VEGETABLE COMPANIES ENTERING THE BLOCK CHAIN - BEWARE OF RETAILERS USING YOU AS MARKETING PUPPETS"

September 12, 2019 - FreshPlaza
FreshPlaza is reporting on a paper written on the questionable benefits of blockchain use within the logistics agri-chain sector. The paper, written by IT advisor Majan Schnetz at the Netherland-based Ockham Group, notes that "blockchain is the biggest hype of the last 25 years." According to the article, Schnetz notes that after three years of close examination, not a single case has been found supporting use of blockchain, both commercially and within agri-chains. Schnetz cautions that agri-companies considering use of blockchain take heed so as not to be used as "marketing puppets by large retailers". FreshPlaza provides her entire paper for review.
https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9142280/fruit-and-vegetable-companies-entering-the-block-chain-beware-of-retailers-using-you-as-marketing-puppets/

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CLIMATE CHANGE

FOOD IMPORTS MAY BE BETTER FOR ENVIRONMENT THAN BUYING LOCAL
September 24, 2019 - Business Daily
According to the Business Daily, buying locally grown foods generates more greenhouse gas emissions than their imported counterparts, and that 80 percent of the population rely on imported foods to meet their needs. Citing a new study by the British think-tank, Hoffmann Centre for Sustainable Resource Economy, the article notes that a consumer in a developed country driving 6 miles to buy 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of produce generates more emissions than air freight shipping the same weight from Kenya. Even more significant is that maritime shipping generates far less emissions than trucks. Referring to the study, the article continues that what that possibly means is that a truck moving across Europe might generate more emissions than when compared to maritime shipments. However, the study says transportation is one part of the emissions puzzle.
https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/news/Food-imports-may-be-better-for-environment-than-buying-local/539546-5285306-q4s7bo/index.html

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ECONOMY

PLANS TO BRING FINANCIAL INCLUSION TOOLS TO 1 MILLION FARMERS

September 27, 2019 - FreshPlaza
FreshPlaza reports that a formal partnership was signed earlier this year between Mastercard and Rabobank to extend access to formal credit by smallholder farmers in emerging markets. The partnership brings together the Mastercard Farmer Network and Rabobank's experience within the food and agriculture sectors. FreshPlaza notes that the Mastercard Farmer Network was earlier launched in 2015, and through its digital platform, has served to bridge small farmers with potential buyers, access mobile payment tools, and build up a transaction record that can lead to access to formal credit and to the formal economy. The new partnership is said to extend this platform to several countries including Uganda, Kenya, Egypt, and India.
https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9148176/plans-to-bring-financial-inclusion-tools-to-1-million-farmers/

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POLICY & REGULATORY

GOYAL DISCUSSES TRADE ISSUES WITH STAKEHOLDERS
September 12, 2019 - Foreign Investors On India(FII News)
FII News is reporting that India is addressing trade related tariff measures with a focus on enabling its industry to become increasingly competitive. At a meeting held in New Delhi on September 11, 2019, government officials helped raise awareness on a variety of tariff and trade topics, including regulatory instruments available to domestic industry that provide a platform for balancing trade-related concerns. For instance, according to FII News, a direct official channel to various ministries is available for exporters to report on corruption issues on consignment delays, and that an upgrade to a helpdesk at the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has transformed the DGTR into a facilitation center providing full support to industry. A variety of other related issues were also discussed.

https://www.fiinews.com/goyal-discusses-trade-issues-stakeholders/

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