The climate crisis affects everyone, and we must all do our part to find solutions to current and impending climate challenges.
Global entrepreneurs are leading the charge in creating solutions that impact their communities and inspire others to do the same on the path toward a greener future.
As part of our YLAI Goes Green campaign, we asked YLAI alumni to expand on their creative solutions to address climate change and advise others wanting to enter the green economy. We’re excited to highlight 2022 YLAI Fellowship alum Bevon Charles, from Grenada.
Bevon is the CEO and founder of Akata Farms, a company that builds sustainable farms and employs climate-smart agriculture to raise poultry, grow crops and create value-added products for hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and households across Grenada.
The YLAI Fellowship is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. government.
What climate change issue are you passionate about addressing with your business?
Akata Farms is passionate about addressing climate change, food security and sustainable agriculture issues. We aim to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture by leveraging technology and strengthening community development through various renewable energy, feed for animals and smart farm projects to achieve sustainable goals.
What solution have you created with your business, and what impact does your solution have on the climate crisis?
The solutions that Akata Farms has created include operating a diversified farm that produces short- and long-term export crops, innovative poultry production on climate-smart farms, and developing and creating sustainable growth and fostering enterprise creation in communities. The business also incorporates animal husbandry operations with multifaceted production that rears cows, goats, sheep, pigs and rabbits with all-natural organic feed manufactured on the farm. The next stage is to commercialize this feed.
The impact of these solutions on the climate crisis includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable energy sources and reducing food waste and pollution by creating animal feed from waste products. The farm also operates sustainably, reducing the impact of agriculture on the environment.
What advice do you have for others looking to make a change and address climate solutions with their business or within their community?
The advice Akata Farms would give to others looking to make a change and address climate solutions with their business or within their community is to focus on sustainability and innovation. By investing in sustainable practices and using innovative technologies, entrepreneurs can reduce their environmental impact and contribute to the fight against climate change. Additionally, collaborating with stakeholders and building partnerships can help to create a more significant impact and drive change at a larger scale.
Thank you, Bevon! Head over to YLAI Goes Green to learn more about how you can make your business more sustainable and get inspiration from other entrepreneurs finding unique climate solutions for their communities.
The views and opinions expressed here belong to the author or interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of the YLAI Network or the U.S. government.