046: Changing The Narrative of Agriculture in Africa – W/ Roland Fomundam

Still in the window of Financial Literacy, today we will continue a discussion on the new wave of Agriculture in Africa. Yes, agriculture as we know it, is changing rapidly in Africa with new technologies, investment opportunities, massive growth, and development. So I decided to invite someone special who is at the front and center of this agricultural revolution in Africa, to have an in-depth discussion with us.   MEET OUR GUEST: Roland Fomundam, founder and CEO of Greenhouse Ventures (GHV) is a seasoned social entrepreneur. Over the past ten years, he devoted his time to finding lasting solutions to tackle challenges facing Africa’s agricultural communities that make up over 65 percent of Africa’s labor force and account for about 32 percent of gross domestic product (FAO).  Roland started GHV, to address these challenges, improving the agricultural ecosystem to increase production and profit as a means to empower farmers and promote the cultivation of valued foods in a sustainable manner. Since inception, the company has successfully introduced greenhouse farming to Cameroon and Cameroonians in a way that has attracted and engaged more youths in the industry than usual. His successes are now being replicated in other countries like Uganda, Nigeria, Sudan and Ghana where the company is currently carrying out studies for proper implementation.  The GHV business has been instrumental in getting these greenhouses in the hands of many users who have attested to its successes in terms of their return on investment(ROI) and happiness.  He has also led research teams to Cameroon made up of students established through an educational network from Northeastern University where he earned a Masters in Technology Entrepreneurship. Roland’s solutions and ideas have been implemented in several communities throughout Cameroon. He is also a visiting lecturer in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in a few universities in Cameroon.  Roland is a technology and business development expert. He is a philosopher, a success coach, a mentor, a pragmatist and a thought leader. His ambitions and works are geared towards the establishment of platforms with sustainable business models to engage individuals and communities for win - win outcomes. Things You Will Learn in This Episode:  [00:01 – 08:00] Introduction Introducing the guest - Roland Fomundam [08:00 – 50:00] Coming to America & Going Back to Africa Reading a powerful social media post by Roland What I learned in America & how it changed me Roland shares his coming to America Story Why Roland returned to Africa The challenges of settling down in Africa [37:00 – 1:22:00] Starting up a business in Agriculture  Roland shares his journey so far in Agriculture Introducing new technology and its complications Struggling for acceptance and support from the government Starting Green House Ventures and lessons learned so far The investment opportunity in Africa's Agriculture available to Africans in the diaspora  The results and massive growth stories [1:22:00 – 1:28:00] Final Discussions Final words from Roland Fomundam Final words from Anyoh Tweetable Quotes: “Most people are living as shadows. There's a genuine purpose in the hearts of people they are not listening to.” - Roland Fomundam “We cannot keep making the same mistakes and giving the same excuses. We can't keep using the same parables because something has to change and that depends on us.”- Roland Fomundam   LEAVE A REVIEW and tell us what you think about the episode so we can continue putting out the best content just for you! Connect with Roland Fomundam Roland's Profile on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/roland-fomundam-024215209 Green House Website: www.greenhouseventures.com Connect with Living African Podcast You can connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, or send us an email at [email protected]. Check out our website www.livingafricanpodcast.com for more resources and to learn more. You can connect with Anyoh on Facebook (@anyohf), Instagram (@anyohfombad), and Twitter (@anyohfombad).