Sunyani: Professor Dr. Osvaldo Romero Romero, Director of the Study Program at the University of Applied Sciences, Berlin School of Technology, Germany, has called on African nations to invest in energy technologies to support their millions of smallholder farmers in processing crops for export.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Dr. Romero emphasized that adding value to farm produce is crucial for liberating farmers from poverty and increasing foreign exchange earnings, which will drive accelerated growth and development across the continent.
The conference, organized by the Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES) at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, aims to address critical energy and sustainability needs in Africa. It provides a platform for collaboration among researchers, academics, industry professionals, policymakers, and students to tackle emerging challenges in energy, engineering, agriculture, and sustainability.
Professor Dr. Romero highlighted Africa’s vast arable lands and potential for crop production, suggesting that leveraging energy technologies would modernize and advance the agricultural sector. He advocated for investments in machines such as storage and cooling facilities, compressors, and processors to enhance smart agriculture practices.
Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice-Chancellor of UENR, noted the importance of transitioning to renewable energy and developing resilient urban systems in response to climate change threats. He stressed the need for intelligent solutions in sustainable food production.
Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, Vice-Chancellor of Sunyani Technical University, introduced approaches like Smart Virtual Power Plant Aggregation and Blockchain-Based Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading as means to achieve renewable energy targets. He emphasized the integration of smart energy systems into society with ecological responsibility, given the urgent challenges posed by climate change and energy access inequalities.