To Make a Continent Bloom - Driving African Agribu

Israeli engagement on the continent is limited by funding and knowledge constraints, exemplified by the miniscule budget at the disposal of MASHAV – the main international development arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – and the small presence in Africa shown by the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry, which is responsible for managing and directing trade policy between Israel and partner. [...] The use of technology and innovative systems, whether it be improving the wellbeing of livestock, monitoring nutrition, or increasing the shelf life of produce, has positioned the tiny nation as a hotbed for pioneering agricultural technologies (commonly referred to as AgTech) while also spurring a new generation of start-ups and entrepreneurs seeking to follow in the footsteps of Netafim. [...] Fast-forward to 1964 and the National Water Carrier of Israel became operational and remains the largest water project in Israel, transferring fresh water from the Sea of Galilee in the north down to the country’s southern Negev region. [...] The key to achieving this, however, is to assess the challenges, failures, opportunities, and successes of Israeli engagement on the continent and to use this insight as a means of developing a framework for future engagement. [...] The extension officer is trained by CultivAid and works with the local farmers to ensure they are receiving quality education and support in relation to the maintenance 28 TO MAKE A CONTINENT BLOOM: DRIVING AFRICAN AGRIBUSINESS WITH ISRAELI INGENUITY and financial viability of the plot.