There is a lack of financing at the end of the value chain, which is the farmer. So, how can we make this happen on a bigger scale? I have been focusing the last two years on figuring out a smarter way of financing a business opportunity, in relation to how we historically have financed these kinds of projects. And for me, it’s not a project that starts, does something, and stops. We are trying to establish an initiative, a never-ending story that should be standing on its own two feet

Small-hold farmers produce one-third of our global food. But what happens if they stop doing so? If we are to create a resilient food production system, then together we must enable small-hold farmers to become Impact Generators. Time is running out and the cost of acting too slow is too immense for all of us. If these farmers do not see a future in farming, we are hurtling towards perhaps what will be the biggest crisis for humankind.

It's not too late to fix this, if we can reduce water consumption while increasing the food produce, enable small-hold farmers to access innovative technologies to increase productivity, build capacity and unlock their profitability.

We talk a lot. We have to walk the talk, and maybe start looking at the financing aspect a little bit differently. It’s not business as usual anymore, because the world is not business as usual. So, how can we change that? How can we dare to take a bit more risks, start trying, see what works, and scale it?

We must be much more precise in telling what’s missing, and challenge others that we think sit on what’s missing. Telling them ‘This is what is needed here and now’ and invite people to understand exactly what is needed, not just overall in words

The levels of risk are very different … There is a need, not just to have the equipment, but to take some of the risk away. Whether it’s better training, whether it’s insurance, or other things. But I think that point about risk is critical

Together, we can be Impact Enablers; technology providers, finance and governance multilateral organizations, and implementing organizations. But ultimately, it is the small-hold farmer who is the true Impact Generator. And for that, we all need to come together and act fast, act at scale, and really accelerate what we are doing to future-proof global food production

Early into COP28, there was very positive news coming in where food systems transformation was put on the global climate agenda. Now it’s time for action. Spowdi’s technology last-mile distribution has proven to generate 300% more food in up to 80% less water, resulting in higher profitability and better livelihoods. The technology and last-mile distribution helps small-hold farmers to move away from fossil fuels, and reduce the time spent on the field, which can then be used for other socio-economic activities. Importantly, it also empowers communities to be food self-sufficient. At Spowdi, we believe that ChildFund’s commitment and last mile reach, along with Spowdi’s innovation, can enable small-hold farmers to be profitable and resilient Impact Generators. The gap lies in enabling farmers to adopt the technology, for which we urge climate finance stakeholders to play their part and provide farmers the ‘kick start financing’ needed to become the Impact Generators we all depend on and act on the commitments made here at COP.

Small-scale farmers are the backbone of our food production systems. Unfortunately, they, just like many other entities, have borne the brunt of climate change. This partnership could not have come at a better time when many communities are reeling from the effects of climate change, manifested by frequent droughts. By adopting Spowdi’s award-winning technology, our farmers will be able to grow more food using less water. This way families will have enough for their consumption and surplus for sale, as they work to build resilient livelihoods that are not always shaken by the effects of climate change.

This is such a great example of what we can do when joining hands and finding collaborations across sectors. We are bringing the innovation and technical solution from Spowdi together with the expertise in development work and child rights of ChildFund. We are so happy to make the connection between Swedish innovation and our ChildFund partners in Africa. This collaboration has global capacity, and we look forward to seeing it grow.

To be awarded as a ‘Top Innovator’ by the World Economic Forum is a validation of Spowdi’s technology and Smart Farming concept, which enables small-hold farmers to grow more food, using significantly less water while making a real impact at the ground, which is to improve livelihoods, achieve food sovereignty and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food production system.

Spowdi's focus at COP28 is the implementation of innovative, green-tech solutions for over 500 million of small-hold farmers. This includes finance, last-mile distribution and above all, a change of mindset. We are in the agricultural business, and I am convinced that with our technology we can create millions of successful and sustainable entrepreneurs. But we can't do this on our own. There is no better platform than COP28 for coming together with partners, peers, and government agencies enabling positive change. 

The Water Drop Initiative of Smart Farming Alliance is very much aligned with SEWA’s Swacch Aakash Campaign, where our mission is to work for creating more green livelihoods, and creating clean air, clean water, and cleaner skies for the next generation. This will help build the resilience of poor women workers including small farmers in the rural areas of India. It will generate green livelihoods. SEWA will be a green union. We look forward to strengthening the partnership with Spowdi.

“Women are crucial contributors to food production. We are happy to collaborate with SEWA and introduce smart farming technology to tens of thousands of SEWA sisters. We see SEWA sisters as businesswomen or entrepreneurs who can transform the global food production system. To adopt smart farming technology, they require kickstart support like any other entrepreneur. Hence, we welcome grantees and CSRs to be a part of this transformative initiative.”

India is our main market, and we are happy to be a part of this important conversation about technology collaborations between Sweden and India. Spowdi's mission is to drive an agricultural evolution by powering water distribution and irrigation with solar power. We have strong partnerships in India where we work a lot with green-tech agricultural companies, to enable small-scale farmers to grow more food with less water and zero fossil energy, using our smart farming system.

In our core operations, enabling patients’ independence is our purpose and guiding principle. Building on this, we have made a difference in the quality of life for millions. We are pleased and proud that through our involvement with Spowdi and the Water Drop Initiative we are now reaching even more people outside our core business, empowering them to manage their livelihood more self-sufficiently.

Smart Farming is about growing more food with less water, and without dependence to fossil fuels, like diesel. Spowdi is both delighted and humbled to have the opportunity to work with the SEWA sisters, whom I have had an opportunity to interact with during the ‘Train the Trainer Programme’. Their commitment and enthusiasm towards the initiative is commendable. This collaboration helps all of us get closer to meeting the SDGs and Climate Action goals.

Such result-oriented collaborations are crucial to create a climate positive impact. The SEWA sisters are optimistic that this initiative will propel small-hold farmers towards green farming, higher yields, climate resilient sustainable livelihood and greater self-reliance.

We are excited to participate at FIMA along with our partner, the global irrigation company Naandan Jain. Spowdi’s Smart Farming system has taken years to develop and perfect, and we are happy to show our product at this important event.

We know from experience that farmers can get more harvests from the same area, which means that the investment results in higher profitability, fossil-free operations, and lower water use

'Spowdi’s drip irrigation system is a gamechanger. The solar-powered irrigation system uses only the sun as its power source. This helps the farmers reduce their dependencies on fossil fuels and thus lower irrigation costs. Spowdi’s system, which is optimized for drip-irrigation, also helps farmers conserve water; a crucial factor in a water-stressed country like India.'