With a mission to empower local farmers and improve rural livelihoods, Italy’s Rural Hack is addressing the unique challenges of rural areas by integrating digital tools with modern farming methods.
Rural Hack, an innovative Italian organization founded as part of the SocietingLAB program, is at the forefront of transforming rural communities and innovative technology solutions that prioritize sustainability and adaptability in agriculture.
By fostering collaboration between farmers, researchers and agribusinesses, Rural Hack is creating a vibrant ecosystem where technology and tradition exist. Its work is redefining the future of agriculture, making it more sustainable, efficient and connected.
Driving Innovation in Agriculture
At the core of Rural Hack’s strategy is the integration of technology into traditional agricultural practices, with modern tools such as mobile farm management applications, data analytics for crop monitoring and precision farming technologies.
These innovations help farmers enhance productivity whilst sustaining vital resources such as water and energy.
The innovative organization’s mission swings between promoting agritech solutions that drive both environmental sustainability and social development.They achieve this by ensuring that smallholder farmers benefit from the latest technological advancements.Education and training are central to Rural Hack’s approach through the medium of hosting workshops, events and digital programs that engage entrepreneurs, students and technology enthusiasts.These programs demonstrate how the right mix of innovation and tradition can transform agriculture, making it more resilient and adaptable to future challenges.
Alex Giordano, the chief scientist of Rural Hack has been a pivotal figure in driving the organization’s vision for transforming agricultural systems through digital innovation and sustainable practices.
With a background in social innovation and digital transformation, Giordano has consistently championed the integration of cutting-edge technology into rural farming practices.
Giordano’s approach emphasizes the importance of blending tradition with innovation. “We are not trying to replace the wisdom of the land but to enhance it with the tools of the future,” he explains.
Prof Alex Giordano is currently considered as one of the leading Italian experts in Social Innovation and Digital Transformation.
Under his leadership, Rural Hack has become a leading force in advancing agritech solutions that benefit smallholder farmers and improve global food security.
Building Global Connections through AgriFood Future
Rural Hack plays a crucial role in creating platforms for global collaboration.
One of its flagship initiatives is the AgriFood Future and the Summer School, an international event that brings together thought leaders, experts, and stakeholders from across the agri-food sector.
Participants engage in discussions and explore the latest innovations in agricultural technology, sustainability and food systems.
At a recent edition of AgriFood Future in Salerno, Italy, Rural Hack was instrumental in facilitating high-level discussions on the future of global food systems. The event brought together farmers, policymakers, and agritech entrepreneurs.The Summer School session at AgriFood Future 2024 by Rural Hack also offered participants and beginners, a valuable opportunity to engage with global experts and explore modern innovations in agritech.Designed to equip the next generation of innovators, the program focused on imparting the knowledge and skills necessary to drive the digital and ecological transformation of agriculture.Over 100 attendees from across Italy gained practical insights into technologies like precision farming, fostering connections within the agrifood sector and addressing its immediate challenges.
Connecting Agri-Food Systems through Technology
Beyond Italy, Rural Hack is poised to make significant impact on agriculture across Africa, with Ghana being a first step into West Africa where such innovative and modern approach to farming is direly needed.
Currently, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana lead the Agritech market. Consequently, the three countries account for more than half of Africa’s Agritech startups.
Agriculture, in general, is one of Africa’s largest and most vital sector, providing food for its large and growing population, as well as serving as the economic lifeline for many its countries. Yet, Africa still struggles to address the host of challenges confronting the industry.
Therefore, the entrance of a leading agritech giant like Rural Hack into Africa at this period of heightened challenges, aggravated by the lack of the necessary expertise, would significantly help in ramping up the most needed food production in Africa.
Incidentally, by fostering dialogue and collaboration, the organization aims to promote the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies that address Africa’s unique agricultural challenges.
It comes as a positive development, therefore, that the organization is focused on establishing agritech platforms in Africa, with such platforms having direct connection to farmers, whereby post-harvest losses are reduced and the goal of achieving food security is further enhanced.
Success Stories
In Italy, Rural Hack’s precision farming solutions have helped smallholder farmers increase crop yields by 30% whilst reducing water usage by 20%. By employing remote sensors and drones to monitor soil conditions and weather patterns in real-time, farmers can make well-informed decisions on irrigation.
Another notable success of this pace setting agritech organization is the mobile platform that connects farmers directly with local markets, bypassing intermediaries and increasing profits by up to 15%.
This innovation has boosted farmers’ incomes, as well as strengthened local food systems, making them more resilient and efficient.
As reflected by a participant at the recent AgriFood Future event, the mission of this leading global agritech organization is to break down technological barriers and integrate innovation into food systems.
Clearly, it is already helping agriculture to become more resilient, efficient, whilst effectively addressing the needs of a growing global population.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation has been honored with the 2024 Agrifood Future Prize Award at the Agrifood Future event in Salerno, Italy.
Agrifood Future Prize recipient, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa was recognized for her exceptional contributions to strengthening Agri-food systems across Africa, particularly in Ghana.
This premier event, organized by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of European parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry, Environment and Energy Security, Google and Made in Italy, redefines Italy’s AgriFood sector with practical, reform-oriented discussions, expanding the global conversation on Agri-food systems.
In presenting this prestigious award, Directed by Professor Alex Giordano, President Andrea Prete praised Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa for her passion and determination.
President Andrea Prete said, “Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa has a clear vision for the future of food. We appreciate her attention to young people and women. For this reason, we can imagine a collaboration also in Africa, with Agrifood Future and between the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, European Parliament, Italian Ministries and Agrihouse Foundation.”
President Andrea Prete and Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa
Upon receiving the Agrifood Future Prize, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa emphasized, “Food unites the world! Where there is food, there is peace; where there is peace, there is development; and where there is development, there is sustainability.”
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa continued, “I am deeply encouraged by all the wonderful people here. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and making me feel at home. I am incredibly grateful.
I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to my entire Agrihouse Foundation team for their outstanding contributions and support.
This recognition is also dedicated every woman committed to the act of service to humanity, through Agriculture.
It is also to all women who are continuously demonstrating the acts of courage, passion, compassion, determination, boldness and consistency to advancing the AgriFood systems. I believe we share a common bond with this Prize, Alberta added.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa further reflected, “The subject of food is extremely important, considering that it is the first work God gave to man, to work in the Garden of Eden.
Now, you and I have one major assignment to protect the future of food. “But the future is already here, the future is now, the future is me and the future is you. “1.2 billion of the world’s present population are between the ages of 15-24 years; of these, 600 million are rural youth, whose main challenge is unemployment.
Additionally, one in five people globally depends on animal agriculture for their livelihoods. Therefore, our actions and inactions will highly influence our present food systems and generations ahead.
“In my country Ghana alone, agriculture employs 39.49% of our population, with 70% being smallholder farmers living in rural communities.
This is why I want us all to take key innovative and sustainable actions to secure and lay the needed foundations for the Food and Agricultural bodies as a whole.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa expressed her confidence that in 2025, Agrihouse Foundation would strengthen its working relationship with, President Andrea Prete, Professor Alex, Unioncamere and the Rural Hack Team to ensure a global community is created by having a greater representation of Ghanaians, Africans and the Caribbean to join the conversations in advancing innovative Agri-food practices.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa also applauded the high youth representation at the event, stating, “It brings my spirit alive and gives me so much hope for the future of our food systems.” The youth in my country also keep demonstrating through their brilliant innovations and approaches in technology, value addition, farming techniques and sustainable solutions they keep developing within the sector, that they can conquer the world and stand alongside their peers globally, to find common solutions to secure our future food.
She noted, “The youth and women possess great ideas and dreams, but unfortunately, many of us lack opportunities. This Prize, I know, will inspire many of our youth to stay focused and keep pushing forward. I am hoping some of them would be able to join us here in 2025 and be part of the Agrifood Future Youth Summer and some of the other sessions.
In conclusion, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa proposed the establishment of an Academy to train sustainable farmers and leaders, stating, “Let us adopt a resolution to create an Academy to train and develop a youth movement of sustainable farmers. Let us work together to connect the unconnected.
Salerno is set to become the center of Agrifood innovation and sustainability from September 8 to 10, 2024 as it hosts the highly anticipated 2nd AgriFood Future 2024.
This premier event, organized by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of European parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry; Environment and Energy Security; Businesses and Made in Italy, is set to redefine Italy’s AgriFood sector with practical results-oriented speeches and workshops to contribute in reforming and expanding the global discussion on Agrifood systems.
The AgriFood Future will offer a unique opportunity to leverage its rich agricultural heritage, integrating modern technologies to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact and strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainable food systems.
Leading this year’s transformative AgriFood Future initiative, Alex Giordano, Scientific Director with visionary leadership is set to drive AgriFood Future 2024 into a new era of innovation and sustainability. This year’s theme, “Building a Business in the Food System 5.0,” reflects Giordano’s commitment to merging cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices to advance the AgriFood industry.
Under Giordano’s guidance, AgriFood Future 2024 will highlight groundbreaking business models and strategies designed to address critical issues such as food waste reduction, supply chain resilience and sustainable farming.
Andrea Prete, President of Unioncamere and Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, leads this year’s event on the theme “Building a Sustainable Business in the Food System with AI.” His leadership is key to highlighting the development of a sustainable and innovative business approach within the food industry.
Andrea Prete is an entrepreneur in the industrial automation sector. Today at the helm of Unioncamere he aims to support the transformation in the Italian agri-food sector, focusing on sustainability and digital transformation. He advocates for practices that reduce the environmental impact of agri-food operations, while promoting the adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. His efforts have helped streamline operations and increase resource use, ensuring the sector remains competitive in Europe, Italy, Africa and the Caribbean.
In a statement, the President of Unioncamere and promoter of AgriFood Future, Mr. Andrea Prete, expressed his excitement about having Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa as a keynote speaker for the event.
Under Ms. Akosa’s leadership, Agrihouse Foundation has been instrumental in executing initiatives designed to unlock the potential of youth, women and men for innovation in the agricultural sector.
These initiatives include the Gathering of the Royals, Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogues Bootcamps, Monthly Agriwoman Marketplaces, Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclasses, Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Forums, and the Gold in the Soil Awards.
Her expertise in leveraging technology and fostering collaboration for the sector aligns perfectly with the themes of our conference,” he added
Her participation is a testament to her exceptional leadership and pioneering contributions to the agri-food sector.” Mr. Prete further acknowledged.
“We look forward to her keynote address and the rich discussions that will follow as we work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive AgriFood Future”.
As Salerno prepares to host this landmark event, AgriFood Future 2024 is promise to be a transformative event, bringing together leading voices and decision-makers to shape the future of the Agri-food sector in the Caribbean and Africa as well.
Salerno is set to become the center of Agrifood innovation and sustainability from September 8 to 10, 2024 as it hosts the highly anticipated 2nd AgriFood Future 2024.
This premier event, organized by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of European parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry; Environment and Energy Security; Businesses and Made in Italy, is set to redefine Italy’s AgriFood sector with practical results oriented speeches and workshops to contribute in reforming and expanding the global discussion on Agrifood systems.
AgriFood Future 2024 will further explore the connection of technological innovation and sustainability, all aimed at demonstrating how cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices can be integrated forward-looking Agri-food businesses.
AgriFood Future 2024 is expected to attract over 300 speakers who will contribute into digital transformation and expanding AgriFood systems within the African and the Caribbean regions.
Andrea Prete, President of Unioncamere and Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, leads this year’s event on the theme “Building a Sustainable Business in the Food System with AI.” His leadership is key to highlighting the development of a sustainable and innovative business approach within the food industry.
Andrea Prete is an entrepreneur in the industrial automation sector. Today at the helm of Unioncamere he aims to support the transformation in the Italian agri-food sector, focusing on sustainability and digital transformation. He advocates for practices that reduce the environmental impact of agri-food operations, while promoting the adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. His efforts have helped streamline operations and increase resource use, ensuring the sector remains competitive in Europe, Italy, Africa and the Caribbean.
In addition to these initiatives, Prete has worked to improve market access for Italian Agri-food products, both domestically and internationally.
This year’s AgriFood Future will feature Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the first Ghanaian speaker at AgriFood Future. As the founder of the Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta As a leading advocate for women and youth in the agriculture value chain in Ghana. Her participation will highlight the global commitment to foster the collaboration within African and the Caribbean’s on the role of women in advancing global food systems.
Leading this transformative AgriFood Future initiative, Alex Giordano, a Scientific Director for Agrifood Future 2024, whose visionary leadership is set to drive AgriFood Future 2024 into a new era of innovation and sustainability.
Under Giordano’s guidance, AgriFood Future 2024 will highlight groundbreaking business models and strategies designed to address critical issues such as food waste reduction, supply chain resilience and sustainable farming.
As Salerno prepares to host this landmark event, AgriFood Future 2024 is promise to be a transformative event, bringing together leading voices and decision-makers to shape the future of the Agri-food sector in the Caribbean and Africa as well.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, will deliver a keynote address at the 2nd AgriFood Future 2024 in Salerno, Italy.
The Agrifood future, a premium event scheduled from September 8 to 11, 2024, will feature her keynote on the topic “Women Leading in Agritech,” is expected to highlight the vital role women are playing and will play and can play in advancing global food systems if giving the platform.
Alberta will also be sharing Agrihouse Foundation’s Agri interventions and the growth and impacts the interventions have been making within the African Region.
The AgriFood Future is organized by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of European parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry; Environment and Energy Security; Businesses and Made in Italy, this year’s event will focus on the theme “Building a Business in the Food System 5.0 with AI“ it will highlight and explore innovative practices, partnerships and collaborations that can drive growth and efficiency within the agri-food sector.
Alberta’s participation becomes very strategic for this year as the AgriFood Future seeks to broaden its scope to cover the African and Caribbean Regions in the short and long term.
It is expected that this major event will lead to the expansion and participation of more African and Caribbean and offer the opportunity to delve into the global business in food systems and how we can collectively build it.
In a statement, the President of Unioncamere and promoter of AgriFood Future, Mr. Andrea Prete, expressed his excitement about having Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa as a keynote speaker for the event.
Her participation in AgriFood Future 2024, according to him will help promote and create opportunities for Ghana, African and the Caribbean regions on the global stage.
“Ms. Akosa has been at the forefront of transforming agricultural practices in Africa, particularly through her work in promoting innovation, sustainability, and capacity building within the agricultural community in Ghana.
Her expertise in leveraging technology and fostering collaboration for the sector aligns perfectly with the themes of our conference,” he added
Her participation is a testament to her exceptional leadership and pioneering contributions to the agri-food sector.” Mr. Prete further acknowledged.
“We look forward to her keynote address and the rich discussions that will follow as we work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive AgriFood Future”.
Adding his voice, the Scientific Director, for the AgriFood Future, Alex Giordano Stated that Ms. Akosa selection to speak at AgriFood Future 2024,is in recognition to the substantial impact Agrihouse Foundation has made in Ghana’s agricultural sector, particularly in youth advocacy, women empowerment, and enhancing market accessibility through their initiatives and interventions.
‘’As a leading advocate for women, youth and men in Ghana’s agriculture sector , Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa embodies the spirit of innovation and progress that AgriFood Future aims to celebrate’’.
Her insights and participation at this year’s 2nd Agrifood future will in no doubt provide an invaluable perspectives on the role of women in advancing global food systems and highlight how Africa can contribute to and benefit from global AgriFood advancements.
Sharing her excitement ,the Executive Director of Agrihouse foundation ,Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Unioncamere for the opportunity to deliver a keynote address at the 2nd agrifood future 2024 .
“I am honoured to be the first Ghanaian to address attendees at this year’s AgriFood Future, and I look forward to discussing how women leaders in Agritech are driving innovation and how Ghana and Africa can harness these advancements to create a more sustainable and equitable food system.”
She further emphasized that her insights aim to position Ghana and Africa as key players in the global agricultural arena, fostering valuable connections and business opportunities across international borders.
” The AgriFood Future 2024 provides an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration, by this I will also explore how Africa can leverage global platforms like AgriFood Future to enhance agricultural practices.” stated Ms. Akosa.
Under Ms. Akosa’s leadership, Agrihouse Foundation has been instrumental in executing initiatives designed to unlock the potential of youth, women and men for innovation in the agricultural sector.
These initiatives include the Gathering of the Royals, Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogues Bootcamps, Monthly Agriwoman Marketplaces, Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclasses, Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Forums, and the Gold in the Soil Awards.
Additionally, Agrihouse Foundation hosts the annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions, the Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow, Ghana Agrochemical and Crop Protection Exhibitions and Awards (GACA), 1Household 1Garden, and Ghana Poultry Day.
These initiatives have and continue to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders, particularly in rural communities where the potential for innovation is vast but often untapped.
