RESPONSE ESSAY 2

Kelly Arango

AGRIPRENEURSHIP: A future for farming?

In developing countries and economies in transition, food and agricultural systems are

experiencing profound changes. In addition to the increase in per capita income, technological

advances, trade liberalization and urbanization, the role of the private sector is being expanded.

Smallholder agriculture is becoming increasingly commercial, and the agribusiness is

increasingly participating in socioeconomic development. Farmers and food manufacturers are

increasingly using shopping channels and specialized wholesalers, while new food quality and

safety standards proliferate. Agripeneurship has been thought of with the idea of dealing with

climate change, overpopulation and urbanization. In fact, this mechanism is creating more jobs

(as population will be increasing in the future), empowers young people and protects the

environment.

This innovative approach will improve agricultural systems and create profitable business

that can lead to not only wealth but food security. Food security can be reduced with

entrepreneurial and technological knowledge. As a case of illustration, the “internet of things”

will influence consumers choices of consumption. Indeed, we can see how new smart fridges and

phone apps have a significant impact on people now days. Moreover, agripreneurship will work

as a strategy for adaptation and mitigation of climate change. The implementation of technology

will help farmers optimize their planning and resource use; hence increasing their profits and the

chances of restoring lands and protecting them from further damage.

Changes in agri-food systems have important repercussions on growth, poverty and food

security. On the positive side, agripreneurship is responding to a vigorous demand from

RESPONSE ESSAY 2

consumers of high-value products, processed products and prepared foods. The expansion of

markets offers farmers new opportunities to add value to their products, exporters and

agripreneurship provide decisive inputs and services to the agricultural sector. However,

agripreneurship can become a challenge to strike a balance between the development of

agribusiness and the objectives related to poverty and food security. A rapid development of the

industry could displace small producers, processors, vendors and traders who depend on the

channels of traditional distribution and commercialization, at a pace that does not allow them

enough time to generate alternative opportunities. Personally, in order to overcome this challenge

in a future I consider that intervention is necessary to expand rural non-agricultural economic

activities. More specifically, by compensating those who are displaced from agriculture due ti

the extending commercialization and industrialization. A young new generation is moving into

the farming sector providing hope for joblessness and food security. They will be responsible for

the implementation of programs to support the creation of innovative/technological supply

chains, strengthening business ties, reducing transaction costs and improving market supply and

demand.