General

Soy, often known as soja or soya bean, is the most popular plant-based protein source. It is also one of the most plentiful and inexpensive protein sources. Soya has become an essential part of daily life for people and animals in many parts of the world.  All the above stated, alongside the fact that it is one of the most traded goods on the planet, is why Soya is called the “the king of beans.” In terms of volume, soybeans and its by-products account for more than 10 per cent of global agricultural commerce.  It is in many foods and other non-edibles, like cooking oil, milk, soy oil and other food products. Soya also has industrial uses like its role in the making of some biodiesel.  Secondly, only to palm oil, soybean oil is the most extensively used cooking oil in the world. Studies show that the “king of beans” is an essential export item for several countries.  According to the 2020 global market study of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), 150.1 million metric tons of soybeans worth $58 billion were shipped in 2017. It was also estimated that the sector’s overall (retail) market value was around $146 billion. Despite all these, less than one per cent of the world’s soy was grown in Africa. In the 1850s, soybeans were brought to Africa, and in 1858, they were first grown in Egypt. Today, 47 of Africa’s 54 nations cultivate soybeans. Since 2020, the soy market in Africa has increased significantly. In general, consumption has increased.  As a result, production has reached its peak and is expected to grow. Togo, Ethiopia, and Malawi were Africa’s top three exporters of soybeans, accounting for about 60% of total exports in Africa. The remaining circa 40% was contributed by Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and others.  Let’s take Uganda as an example. Uganda is becoming an ever more important source of soybeans for the continent. Since 1990, Uganda’s Agricultural Research Institute has been researching and making new soybean varieties to meet Ugandan farmers’ needs. This aids Uganda’s economy, contributes more than $45 million a year, and grows about 23,000 metric tons of soybeans yearly. The country has also invested in facilities that turn raw soybeans into products such as soybean oil, soy cake, and animal feed. Potentials within exports and profits are declining, which may be traced back to the many difficulties plaguing Africa’s agricultural sector. Some of them are lousy infrastructure, lack of financial capital for farmers, bad marketing, inadequate technology, high manual labour within our farming models, low sector investment, the majority of farmers being smallholders, losses after the harvest, not having a guaranteed market, and crop diseases, etc.  Soya Bean’s nutritional and health advantages are well known, but the economic benefits to local farmers and consumers are just as significant. It opens up prospects for employment and financial gain throughout the nation and reduces poverty; this is very practical for farmers. Given that this crop has a lot of economic potentials and helps in many ways, it is essential for our governments, in particular, to help solve these problems so that African countries can get the most out of the crop. Africa has been noted as an excellent place for soy, and there are signs that the market is already growing. Governments must look into and fix the problem of not having a secured soybean market. If the country had a guaranteed need, it would go much better. Production and income would go up, and many new jobs would be created. So, if governments want to solve this problem, they must emphasise working with private sector actors at home and abroad. Mature soybeans may be a source of income, but that’s not all they’re good for. They have numerous health benefits as well: 1. Its high fibre content reduces the risk of colon cancer by promoting regular bowel movements and better digestive health. 2. Its minimal carb content and very low glycaemic index make it a beneficial nutritional addition for people with diabetes. 3. The high levels of copper and iron in soybeans help build red blood cells, lowering the risk of anaemia and increase oxygen delivery to cells to fuel the body’s metabolism. 4. Soybean, when consumed in small amounts, has appetite-suppressing qualities and may facilitate weight reduction. Moreover, its high protein content makes it an oil seed that may aid in mass growth. Because of this, it may help in the control of excess weight. 5. It regulates metabolic processes that enhance the quality and length of sleep because of its high magnesium concentration. 6. Glycaemic control and management in Type 2 diabetes are aided by soybean since it helps enhance the body’s function of insulin receptors. 7. Vitamins and minerals are full of bone- and immune-boosting zinc, magnesium, copper, and selenium. In addition, folate, Vitamin K, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, and Thiamine may all be found in soya. 8. Soybean’s high polyunsaturated fat content helps improve cardiovascular health and lowers the risk of cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks. 9. The United Soybean Board and the Soy Nutritional Institute of California are funding new research into its anti-wrinkle effects. 10. Eating soybeans may help your brain’s health since they increase blood flow. 11. It may also aid with menopausal discomfort. Producing soybeans successfully in Africa requires a country to adopt strategies with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) measures at its core, work towards utilising Sustainability Development Models to bring forth equitable and sustainable results, capitalise on the continental infrastructure and build relevant relationships between the public and private sectors within the agricultural spaces of African markets. ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ I hope you found this article insightful and enjoyable. Subscribe to the ‘Entrepreneur In You’ newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/d-hgCVPy.  I wish you a highly productive and successful week ahead!  ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, Dr. Maxwell Ampong, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or beliefs of Maxwell Investments

The term “social impact era” may very well be new to some and very familiar to others. It first began to gain global popularity during or around the time of the global financial crises between the years 2007 and 2009. These financial crises occurred when banking systems and global financial markets underwent a never-before great deal of tension and pressure. The actual cause and catalyst were the US housing markets crashing and coming to what appeared to be an abrupt and shocking halt. It was recorded that millions and millions of people lost their jobs all in one fell swoop. In addition, several banks worldwide had to rely on their governments for fiscal and financial bailouts to avoid nearly equally destructive bankruptcy issues. This was the most severe global economic shakeup since the Great Depression in the 1930s. (The Global Financial Crisis | Explainer | Education, n.d.) Now that we know the core impetus that sets the world of social impact in motion let us examine what it is.  WHAT IS SOCIAL IMPACT? Social impact occurs when activities, projects, or programs create a positive change in the lives of people, usually low-income people, within a community. This positive impact ideally tackles and ameliorates or solves a crucial social challenge.  Social Impact rarely occurs through fate or sheer luck – it is a structured, intentional, well-executed list of activities with lucid goals to meet and a theory of change to prove.  Social Impact plays an exceedingly crucial role in ensuring that low-income communities and Persons of Concern (including asylum seekers, people living below minimum wage, refugees, stateless people, unaccompanied minors, migrants, et cetera) are given back their agency, have their human dignity restored to them, and are afforded opportunities that are often purposed to facilitate economic inclusion and social cohesion.  In short, social impact is clutch for those who may be temporarily or situationally brought low in society. But, of course, this also applies to deprived/low-income communities. WHY IS SOCIAL IMPACT NECESSARY? Social impact is not simply another captivating term that happens to be in vogue for the time being – It is certainly not about to disappear around the bend at the slightest push. Au contraire, it is here to stay!   Social impact has several arms and interests across a plethora of industries and within a myriad of offices (big and small) all over the globe. Even within the business of the corporate world, social impact is often in the form of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). Now ESG defines, measures, and tracks a company’s adaptability, confluence, and contribution to some of the world’s most pressing issues in the areas of the environment.  ESG metrics are used by socially conscious investors who, through these (ESG) metrics, can better determine where or with whom to invest  (for the continued benefit of Persons of Concern and low-income or impoverished communities). The CFA Institute had the following to say concerning investors and ESG investing:  “Investors are increasingly applying these non-financial factors as part of their analysis process to identify material risks and growth opportunities. ESG metrics are not commonly part of mandatory financial reporting, though companies are increasingly making disclosures in their annual report or in a standalone sustainability report. Numerous institutions, such as the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) are working to form standards and define materiality to facilitate the incorporation of these factors into the investment process“ (ESG Investing and Analysis, n.d.) THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CRAFT? The works of social impact include things such as social justice matters. Most of them include:  ANYONE CAN INFLUENCE SOCIETAL IMPACT. Practically, anyone can become a catalyst for social impact. One only needs to look around them and systematically or structurally solve societal issues. You could tackle climate change issues through self-organizing to plant 1000 or 100 trees in your city or town, or village. You could organize weekly food giveaways for homeless people.  You may unite your neighbourhood to build neighbourhood libraries worldwide for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. It merely requires making a list of kid-friendly books and committing to purchase them within predetermined time frames. However, you can create a child-based community health awareness program that runs in cycles and incorporates practical education by reintroducing fruits as a regular part of your children’s diets, thoroughly explaining the health benefits of each individual fruit, and setting up a reward system (for your children) for when they educate another child in the same way. CONCLUSION Ashoka, the social change-focused organization whose founder, William “Bill” Drayton coined the term “social entrepreneur“, believes that everyone can be a change-maker. Unarguably, everyone can be, either directly or indirectly. One only needs to observe, listen, and decide what needs to be altered before addressing the problems recognized using a systematic or structured method. ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ References The Global Financial Crisis | Explainer | Education. (n.d.). Reserve Bank of Australia. https://www.rba.gov.au/education/resources/explainers/the-global-financial-crisis.html ESG Investing and Analysis. (n.d.). CFA Institute. https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/research/esg-investing UNHCR Global Trends 2010. (2010). https://www.unhcr.org/4dfa11499.pdf The Largest Refugee Crises to Know in 2022. (2022, April 25). Concern Worldwide. https://www.concernusa.org/story/largest-refugee-crises/ Richardson, A. V., Humphry, J., Wright, C., Bloom, P., Harris, L. M., Lamb, C., Lentin, A., Simien, E. M., Klein, A. G., Williams, C., Cassese, E. C., Inwood, J. F. J., Ray, R., Alderman, D. H., & Perliger, A. (2022, May 15). Racial violence News, Research and Analysis. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/nz/topics/racial-violence-15604 Childhood Overweight & Obesity | Overweight & Obesity | CDC. (2022). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/index.html World Bank and WHO: Half the world lacks access to essential health services, 100 million still pushed into extreme poverty because of health expenses. (2017, December 13). World Health Organization (WHO). https://www.who.int/news/item/13-12-2017-world-bank-and-who-half-the-world-lacks-access-to-essential-health-services-100-million-still-pushed-into-extreme-poverty-because-of-health-expenses ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ I hope you found this article insightful and enjoyable. Subscribe to the ‘Entrepreneur In You’ newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/d-hgCVPy.  I wish you a highly productive and successful week ahead!  ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, Dr. Maxwell Ampong, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or beliefs of Maxwell Investments Group or any of its

Merriam-Webster defines ‘addiction’ as “a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behaviour, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence”. In moderation, anything can be argued as alright, depending on the parameters for what is “moderate”. But unfortunately, the youth today is highly prone to developing addictions of various kinds. This is especially true when it comes to gambling and betting addiction.  The reasons for this are many, but it is apparent that there has been increasingly easy availability of and accessibility to gambling and betting opportunities and the increased marketing of these activities targeted at young people. Gambling and betting addiction can have severe consequences, especially for young individuals, including financial ruin and mental health problems. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the signs of addiction and seek help if necessary. Unfortunately, what might start as harmless fun can be the gateway to a lifetime of problems unless one can safely navigate around such habits. Many warning signs may indicate that someone has a gambling or betting problem. For example, they may spend large amounts of money on gambling or lie about them. They may also miss work or school to gamble. They additionally bet despite financial difficulties. If you are concerned that someone you know may have a gambling or betting problem, it is essential to talk to them about it. They may be reluctant to admit that they have a problem, but getting them to talk about it is crucial to get help. This article looks at the subject matter in a global sense. These are all facts, and this is an opinion piece. Spot the signs of sports betting addiction When it comes to sports betting, addiction can be a real problem. Millions of people worldwide are addicted to gambling on sporting events, and many will end up in debt or worse. (Choi & Lee, 2019) The first step to overcoming a gambling addiction is to recognize the signs. If you or someone you know is showing any of the following signs, then there is a problem that needs to be addressed: 1. Betting more than you can afford to lose: This is one of the most common signs of a gambling problem. If you find yourself borrowing money to place bets or using your credit card to gamble, it is time to seek help. 2. It is all you think and talk about: Another sign that gambling has become a problem is if it is all you can think about. It is time to take a step back if you constantly consider placing bets or wondering how much you could win. 3. You are chasing losses: Chasing your losses is another common sign of a gambling problem. If you find yourself betting more money to win back what you have lost, then it is time to seek help. 4. You are ignoring other aspects of your life: Gambling, if ever done, should be something you do in addition to your regular life, not something that takes over your life. If you neglect work, family, or social obligations in favour of gambling, it is time to get help. 5. You are lying about your gambling: If you hide your gambling from others or lie about how much you are betting, it is a sign that you know it is a problem. If you or someone you know is showing any of these signs, it is time to seek help. Many resources help people overcome their gambling addiction, so do not hesitate to seek help. An increasing number of youth engaging in sports betting. The percentage of youth engaging in sports betting is on the rise. This is due to the accessibility of online sports betting, which has made it easier for young people to place bets. However, the popularity of sports betting among young people is a cause for concern, as it can lead to other problems. There are several reasons why sports betting may draw young people. For some, it may be a way to make quick money. Others may see it as a way to add excitement to their favourite sports. Whatever the reason, knowing the risks associated with sports betting is essential. (Aragay et al., 2021) Addiction is one of the most significant risks associated with sports betting. When someone is addicted to something, they cannot control their urge to do it. As a result, they may bet on sports even when they cannot afford to lose the money. This can lead to financial problems and borrowing money to pay off debt, causing more deficits. Sports betting can also lead to other problems, such as gambling addiction. Gambling addiction is a severe problem that is well-documented. It can cause people to lose their jobs, homes, and families. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, get help from a professional immediately. The dangers of sports betting addiction Most people who bet on sports do so for fun and entertainment. However, for some people, sports betting can become a severe problem. Sports betting addiction can lead to financial, relationship, and even mental health problems. If you think you may have a problem with sports betting addiction, there are some things you can do to help you overcome your addiction and get your life back on track. The first step is to admit that you have a problem. This can be difficult, but it is essential to recognize that you have a problem before you can start to address it. If you are in denial about your addiction, it will not be easy to get help. Once you have admitted that you have a problem, you can start to look for help. There are some resources available to help you overcome your addiction. There are support groups, counselling services, and even treatment programs available. (Parke & Parke, 2019) The