Tuesday 6 September 2022

Diageo launches £450k climate fund for farmers in Africa

Beverage giant Diageo has launched £450,000 of funding for innovative technologies that can monitor and lessen the impact of water and climate crises on smallholder farms in Africa.

Smallholder farms are said to be highly vulnerable to weather changes and water scarcity arising as a result of climate change.

Diageo is providing the funds through three challenges focused on water, carbon and biodiversity impacts, with innovators, start-ups and those who have developed relevant technology in other sectors or who need funding to further develop their technology invited to apply.

The pilots will take place in East Africa and if successful, they will be rolled out across Diageo's smallholder farmer network across Cameroon, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Tanzania, Turkey, the Seychelles, South Africa and Uganda.

Kirstie McIntyre, Global Sustainability Director said: “Even under the 1.5C trajectory called for by the Paris Agreement, farmers in the southern hemisphere will need help to adapt to climate change.

“Our next Diageo Sustainable Solutions round will create action for innovators around the world to help save lives and livelihoods in the countries and communities that are most at risk.”

The three challenges are open for applications until 7th October 2022.