“ Sadly , there are many examples in Africa – whether a cassava plant for flour or a tomato factory – where the whole value chain hasn ’ t been addressed . Whether it ’ s the upstream , where they are going to sell , or the logistics to move the products , an integrated and holistic view of the requirements at each stage of the value chain are essential .”
New technologies and innovative approaches are key . White is excited about a couple of projects in development that will mix solar PV with agribusiness . “ Mines need power , lots of power … If you can install a 50 MW solar panel installation with hydroponics you can farm underneath the panels . It ’ s a useful approach when land is not suitable for traditional agriculture and we can actually take some of that energy and use it for processing crops like cocoa and vegetables ; for washing them and for cooling . Having that energy source on site can be a wonderful thing .”
Mining companies can spend millions of dollars on CSR schemes but too often it ’ s wasted stresses White . “ Building hospitals and schools is a great thing to
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