By Idriss Adoum Idriss,
Founder of Pastor Help and African Coordinator of REJECA
Youth Entrepreneur at LLDC3
In LLDCs, agriculture and technology offer significant business opportunities.
Like many Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Chad's economy leans heavily on agriculture, which employs around 80% of the population. This reliance exposes Chad to the adverse impacts of climate change. The Sahara Desert is encroaching southwards at an alarming rate, with an estimated 1.5 million hectares of land being lost each year, severely impacting agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of those who dependent on this vital sector. This is especially true for Chad, particularly in the Lac Chad, Kanem, and Bahr El-Gazelle regions.
Integrating modern technology into agriculture can significantly boost productivity, sustainability, food security and drive economic growth. Our start-up, Pastor Help, uses technology to improve agricultural productivity and livestock management. Pastor Help is a tech platform designed to equip farmers and pastoralists with essential tools, education and resources to enhance their agricultural and pastoral practices. By deploying these technologies in the Lac Chad, Kanem, and Bahr El-Gazelle regions, we have demonstrated how we can enhance resilience against climate impacts, promote sustainable practices, and unlock economic potential.
Pastor Help offers livestock management solutions such as health monitoring, breeding advice, and market linkage for better pricing. By integrating Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, we have been able to support farmers to remotely monitor the movements and health of their livestock, reducing losses and improving overall herd management. Pastor Help also aims to prevent and manage conflicts between farmers and pastoralists, as well as to provide electronic identification of livestock through an ear tag with a QR code and a GPS device for mobility management and reduction of livestock theft.
Achieving these seemingly straightforward opportunities requires concerted efforts from Government and partners, and investments in infrastructure, particularly internet access and transportation. For example, in Chad, improved internet connectivity allows farmers in remote areas to access real-time information and resources, while better transport infrastructure facilitates the movement of goods to markets, ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their products.
Based on my experience with Pastor Help, the following areas are key for fostering sustainable development, empowering young people and spurring economic growth in LLDCs:
Education and training programs
Education and training programs are crucial for equipping local communities with the skills needed to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. Through Pastor Help, I've seen firsthand how empowering individuals through targeted training and education can transform local economies. For example, our initiative has enabled farmers in Chad to integrate technology into their traditional agricultural practices, leading to significant improvements in productivity.
Conducive Government policies
Governments have an important role to play in enabling entrepreneurship and start-up businesses in this sector. Governments can create supportive policies that not only encourage innovation but also protect intellectual property. In Chad, stronger regulatory frameworks could better support entrepreneurial growth. For instance, tax incentives and legal protections can help. Public-private partnerships are also essential. They mobilize resources and expertise, helping to scale successful projects like Pastor Help and extend their impact. In my work with Pastor Help, such partnerships have been crucial to bridge gaps and accelerate development.
Private Sector partnerships
The private sector needs to step up to address limited access to modern technology, knowledge and financing gaps through innovative solutions and capacity-building initiatives. With Pastor Help, for example, we have used mobile apps to provide real-time information and support to pastoralists. Financial inclusion is another area where the private sector can drive change by promoting digital financial services tailored to rural populations, ensuring solutions are sustainable and culturally appropriate.
Supportive development partners
Development partners and the UN system can provide essential support to start-ups like Pastor Help through funding, technical expertise, and mentorship. In my experience, such support can significantly accelerate the growth and impact of entrepreneurial initiatives. For instance, access to funding enables start-ups to scale their solutions and reach more communities, while technical expertise and mentorship help refine and implement innovative approaches effectively.
The Third UN Conference on LLDCs (LLDC3) is a prime opportunity to bring together diverse stakeholders, foster collaborative solutions and spotlight the challenges and numerous opportunities that exist for young entrepreneurs in LLDCs.
Knowledge exchange and sharing of best practices among LLDCs.
By sharing successful strategies and lessons learned, start-ups can avoid common pitfalls and adopt proven methods tailored to their local contexts. This collaborative approach not only strengthens individual initiatives but also fosters a more resilient and adaptive entrepreneurial ecosystem across LLDCs. For example, in Chad, our partnerships have facilitated the integration of advanced agricultural technologies, demonstrating how international support and shared knowledge can lead to tangible improvements in productivity and sustainability.
Investing in education and capacity-building programs will empower local populations. A collaborative effort from governments, development partners, and the UN system can create a support system that enables LLDCs to harness their potential and achieve sustainable development.
The most crucial lesson from Pastor Help is that technology, when tailored to local needs, can be a transformative force for sustainable development.
Our experience has shown that empowering communities with the right tools not only enhances productivity but also fosters resilience and self-sufficiency.
By integrating innovative solutions into traditional practices, we have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of bridging the gap between modern technology and local expertise. This approach has not only elevated agricultural practices but also demonstrated the power of adaptive solutions in overcoming challenges unique to LLDCs.
Idriss Adoum Idriss, founder of Pastor Help and African Coordinator of REJECA, focuses on sustainable agriculture and youth engagement in climate action. He leverages technology and education to drive development in Chad and other LLDCs.
