Agro-foodtech : a cooperative combining innovation, sustainability, and social inclusion

Based in Klessoum, near the Chadian capital N’Djamena, the main objective of Agrotech alimentaire is to support sustainable agriculture by cultivating and processing local products while improving the living conditions of women and youth.

A mission focused on sustainability and empowerment

The cooperative stands out for its commitment to preserving agricultural resources and promoting agroecological practices. This model is based on the idea that agriculture can be both economically viable and environmentally respectful, contributing to food security and the economic development of local communities.

Agrotech alimentaire operates under a cooperative model, with the involvement of women and youth at the heart of its actions. With a staff of 48 employees, including 40 women, the cooperative places great emphasis on strengthening the capacities of its members through continuous training.

“Our initiatives aim to improve agricultural techniques and develop skills for more effective local transformation. The cooperative members, mainly women, are actively involved in both the production and transformation of products,” says Ella Inzahbo Vourbobe, president of Agrotech alimentaire.

Agroecology is not just a cultivation method, but a true lever for innovation and sustainability

The cooperative processes and markets a wide range of agricultural products, including vegetables and fruits such as onions, hibiscus flowers, tomatoes, ginger, oranges, okra, and rice.

To reduce post-harvest losses, the cooperative processes some of these products into dried versions, such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, and okra, as well as hibiscus wine. Fresh products are sold directly from the farms, while processed products are available in the cooperative’s store in N’Djamena.

@Agrotech alimentaire

“Agroecology is one of the pillars of the cooperative. We prioritize seeds adapted to climate change, enrich the soil through compost production, and promote environmentally friendly farming practices,” said the president.

Innovation is also encouraged for the transformation of agricultural products into high-value-added by-products. “Agroecology, in this context, is not just a simple cultivation method but becomes a real lever for innovation and sustainability,” she explains.

Sustainable agriculture and social inclusion as drivers of a prosperous local economy

Despite its many successes, Agrotech alimentaire faces significant challenges that hinder its development. Climate change affects agricultural production with unpredictable weather conditions, making some crops vulnerable to droughts and floods. Additionally, limited access to financing slows the cooperative’s expansion, making it difficult to fund infrastructure and innovation. Insufficient agricultural infrastructure, such as roads and outdated processing equipment, also complicates the production and distribution of products.

However, Ella Inzahbo Vourbobe, president of Agrotech alimentaire, remains optimistic. She views each obstacle as an opportunity to reinvent and innovate. The cooperative perseveres in its mission by training its members in advanced agricultural techniques and adopting agroecological practices to cope with the effects of climate change. Agrotech alimentaire is also seeking solutions to overcome financial and infrastructure challenges, collaborating with international partners and attracting investments.
In the future, the cooperative plans to expand its activities, welcome new members, particularly among vulnerable populations, and strengthen local capacities to foster sustainable and inclusive growth. Agrotech alimentaire is betting on sustainable agriculture and social inclusion as drivers of a prosperous local economy.

The future of African agriculture relies on local transformation, and the AfCFTA could be a major lever to achieve this

For Ella Inzahbo Vourbobe, the AfCFTA represents an unprecedented opportunity for African producers. “It offers strategic advantages, such as the integration of value chains, allowing African producers to add more value to their products and diversify their activities,” she emphasizes.

“The future of African agriculture relies on local transformation, and the AfCFTA could be a major lever to achieve this, provided the obstacles related to differences in trade standards are overcome.”

However, this opening comes with significant challenges, including “increased competition and insufficient infrastructure, which complicate the competitiveness of local products in international markets,” she specifies.

A model of sustainability and solidarity

Agrotech alimentaire embodies a model of social entrepreneurship that combines sustainable agriculture, innovation, and the empowerment of women and youth. Through its activities, the cooperative contributes to the sustainability of natural resources, food security, and the economic development of local communities. With agroecological practices and support for innovative projects, it serves as a model to follow.