The Social AgTech Newsletter: What a Year 2024 has been!

?? What a Year! Hi, it’s Arian here! As 2024 draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect on how much we’ve learned and accomplished together this year. From literally getting our feet wet with rice farmers in Asia to welcoming Dion to our team, it’s been a whirlwind of growth and discovery.

Launching The Social AgTech Podcast has been a real highlight—giving us a platform to meet incredible founders like Dieu Merci Luundo of Vijana Twaweza Club and Emmanuel Lavalie of the Impere Foundation for Education and Agriculture. Add to that our deep dive into solar-powered aquaponics with V+ Agritech and SERIS (Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore at the National University of Singapore), and we’ve had plenty of “aha!” moments of learning and inspiration in 2024.

As we step into 2025, I’m more inspired than ever by the passionate startups, innovators, and communities tackling hunger. Let’s take a look back at some of our top picks from this year.

This Year's Podcast Pick

?? Resilience in Action: Fish Farming in Kakuma Refugee Camp: Few stories capture the essence of perseverance like that of Dieu Merci Luundo, founder of Vijana Twaweza Club in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. From one fish, Luundo built a thriving farming initiative, empowering refugees with skills in fish, cricket, poultry farming, and aquaponics.

In this podcast episode, we uncover his journey of resilience and innovation, proving that even in the toughest circumstances, change is possible. Listen here: The Social AgTech Podcast.

This Year's Blog Pick

??? Conflict and Hunger: A Closer Look: In a year where the geopolitical landscape has been dominated by conflict, hunger levels have soared to alarming heights. One of the most relevant and important questions we have explored this year is therefore: How does conflict exacerbate food insecurity, and what can we do to address it? Our blog, "Navigating the Depths: The Enduring Impact of Conflict on Hunger and Food Security", delves into this critical topic. Read the full blog

Project Spotlight of the Year

?? Harnessing Solar Energy for Sustainable Farming: We were thrilled to sit down with V-Plus Agritech and SERIS (Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore at the National University of Singapore) to discuss how they are revolutionizing sustainable farming in the tropics. Combining solar energy with vertical aquaponics, their cutting-edge system reduces chemical reliance, protects crops, and maximizes yields.

Their research into microbes and nitrifying bacteria is laying the foundation for resilient farming practices. The initial results? Promising. The future? Scalable and commercially viable agrivoltaic systems with the potential to transform global food security.

As we close the chapter on 2024, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you—our readers, partners, and friends. Your passion for creating a world free from hunger inspires us every day.

Here’s to an exciting 2025 filled with innovation, collaboration, and real impact. Let’s keep the momentum going together!

Warm wishes, Arian