| EMERGING MARKETS REVIEW | Connected Post-Harvest Logistics |
| Archives |
June 5th, 2020
This newsletter is inspired by my latest research analysis report on Connected Next Generation Post-Harvest Logistics in Emerging Countries.
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TECHNOLOGY
AGRICULTURAL ROBOTS AND AI – IT’S A QUESTION OF WHEN, NOT IF
May 29, 2020 - Fresh Plaza
According to Fresh Plaza, new research shows that robots will be taking an increased role on the farm over time as the farming process is no longer being viewed as exclusive to humans. With artificial intelligence (AI) and machine vision technology at the core, the latter, for example, allows robots to "see, identify, localise, and to take some intelligent site-specific action on individual plants." The use of trained deep learning algorithms in the process is also said to match or exceed the performance of expert agronomists.
WAYS TECHNOLOGY CAN BOOST FOOD SECURITY, REV UP JOBS IN KENYA
May 20, 2020 - Business Daily
The Business Daily reports that the issue of food security in Kenya has become a major concern. It adds to other concerns on the economic devastation facing the country stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, heavy rainfall, and a locust attack on crops in March 2020. With food production already low and supply curtailed due to lockdowns and closures of local food markets, food access by the poor has been particularly affected. The Business Daily notes, however, that with Kenya being ranked highest among African countries for digital readiness in agriculture, FoodTech has potential to support food security and jobs in several ways. The article presents five key areas in this regard and includes topics as last-mile delivery to consumers, cloud platforms, 3D food printing, and blockchain-backed currencies.
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POLICY & REGULATORY
WILL PLACE DRAFT ECOMMERCE POLICY IN PUBLIC DOMAIN FOR COMMENTS SOON: DPIIT SECRETARY
May 30, 2020 - Deccan Herald
The Deccan Herald reports that India will soon make available legislation for public comment with regards to a draft national e-commerce policy. This follows on a previous version of the draft released in February of 2019 proposing to set a framework around cross-border data flow and storage. The article notes that India is striving for a coherent and clear policy which includes a definition on data, citizens' rights, and commercial benefits to e-commerce data holders.
https://www.deccanherald.com/business/business-news/will-place-draft-ecommerce-policy-in-public-domain-for-comments-soon-dpiit-secretary-843615.html
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ECONOMY
FUTURE JOBS IN KENYA ARE HEADING GIG ECONOMY WAY
May 29, 2020 - Business Daily
According to the Business Daily, the opportunity of the gig economy in Kenya is viewed as a positive addition to its overall economy. Gigs, as the article notes, are performed by individuals not necessarily employed by a business or an app, while the process allows for merchants to reduce barriers between retailers and consumers. Gigs also help ease overall unemployment by providing individuals with an inexpensive asset to receive earnings without being conventionally employed. Business Daily reports that, for instance, someone with a vehicle can become a driver, while another with a skateboard or roller skates can deliver food through an Uber Eats app. Such possibilities feature minimal barriers to participate, whether for a primary means of income or to support an existing salary.
https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/analysis/columnists/Future-jobs-in-Kenya-are-heading-gig-economy-way/4259356-5566642-cr04cuz/index.html
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INVESTMENTS
BANGLADESH EYES FDI BOOM IN THE POST-PANDEMIC ERA
May 21, 2020 - The Daily Star
According to The Daily Star, as countries begin to relocate their factory production lines to reduce cost amid the pandemic, Bangladesh expects to see an increase in foreign direct investment as a result, while also anticipating it at a faster pace during the post-pandemic period. As an example, the article notes that the Japanese embassy has already provided a list of companies willing to relocate from China to Bangladesh. And recommendations are also being offered on areas to enhance the business environment, which include for measures on providing for policy and tariff support, looking for opportunities beyond apparel, and adoption of new technologies.
https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/bangladesh-eyes-fdi-boom-the-post-pandemic-era-1904614
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