AGREN Africa improving livelihoods in marginalised communities

Q. Erik, you recently visited Zambia in Africa, what did you do there?

We have a project in Central Province, Zambia, that is part of our building resilient communities initiative. Using our expertise in agriculture, forestry and renewable energy, we employ a twofold approach; investment and knowledge transfer to help achieve what we believe is positive long term change.  

Q. What was the purpose of your visit to Africa?

With restrictions on international travel, all of our interactions in recent years have been over the internet. First and foremost, the purpose of the trip was to meet in person with family, friends, colleagues and project partners, and to have constructive conversations on how best we can continue to implement sustainable change.  

Q. What are you hoping to achieve?

Taking a longer term view, we hope to help implement transformational change in countries like Zambia, where we believe we can make a positive difference to communities and landscapes that will bear the brunt of climate change.   

Q. What are some of the challenges?

The biggest challenge is overcoming ‘first world’ preconceptions of Africa. There is a lot to be positive about, in terms of aspirations, values and commitment to make things better. It’s difficult to say, but I do feel that the biggest challenges to face Africa are not necessarily African challenges, but stem from a lack of understanding and trust which ultimately perpetuates the status quo on issues around governance, investment, trade and social equality. 

Q. What do you hope for this project in the future?

We hope and believe that we can get to a point where providing sufficient investment, we can achieve a level of sustainable development, that can bring about transformational and generational benefit. 

Q. How does this link back to the services you offer in the United Kingdom?

Although we are actively involved in our own projects, we do offer our knowledge and experience to other organisations that are motivated by the same outcomes. These services would in the main include aspects relating to impact investment, development, education, empowerment, society and environment.