Adopting renewable energy to end poverty

In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Kristina Skierka, the CEO of Power for All, discussed the critical need for decarbonisation within Africa's food systems and the role of renewable energy in achieving sustainable development. Skierka highlighted the importance of transitioning to decentralized renewable energy (DRE) in agricultural practices to address both energy poverty and climate change. She pointed out that while many African nations have established agricultural transformation plans, only a few have set measurable targets for DRE adoption. Skierka emphasized the interconnectedness of energy and agriculture, noting that countries with access to energy and mechanization capabilities tend to see greater productivity and economic growth in the agricultural sector. She cited examples of leading countries such as Uganda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Niger, which have made significant strides in promoting renewable energy in agriculture through innovative initiatives and policy frameworks. However, Skierka also highlighted the disparities among nations, with some countries lagging behind in recognizing the importance of DRE in their agricultural transformation plans. She specifically mentioned Rwanda and Kenya as progressive countries with vibrant DRE markets, yet their plans lack explicit references to decentralized renewables. Skierka attributed this gap to the traditional silos between energy and agriculture ministries, underscoring the need for greater collaboration and integration of policies. Power for All's key recommendation to governments is to revise existing agricultural transformation plans to include specific targets for DRE adoption and promote cross-sectoral collaboration. Skierka stressed the importance of policy coherence and legal frameworks to accelerate the energy transformation in agriculture and drive sustainable development outcomes. The interview underscored the pivotal role of renewable energy in reshaping Africa's food systems and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). By embracing decentralized renewables and integrating them into national strategies, African countries can enhance food security, promote economic growth, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change and energy poverty, initiatives like Power for All are at the forefront of advocating for a more sustainable and equitable future for all. The intersection of energy and agriculture presents a unique opportunity for transformative change, and it is imperative that governments, farmers, and financial institutions collaborate to harness the potential of renewable energy in driving agricultural innovation and inclusive growth across Africa.