Agricultural Input Markets Strengthening Project

Overview:

CNFA implemented the two-year, $250,000 USAID-funded Agricultural Input MArkets Strengthening Project (AIMS) to fill identified market gaps in Mozambique from 2006 to 2008. AIMS developed the capability of private sector agrodealers to respond to increased demand for productive inputs and opportunities for market-oriented agricultural production. Overall. AIMS opened up and established more competitive markets and agrodealer networks as primary channels through which farmers could access improved agricultural technologies, which led to better crop quality and increased incomes.

Approach:

1. Increased Availability of Agricultural Inputs: AIMS strengthened farmers’ access to inputs, including fertilizer and improved seed and crop protection products in the Beira and Nacala corridors where prospects for commercial agriculture production are improving.
2. Encouraged Adoption of New Technology: The project boosted the adoption of best input technology packages for key commodities in the Beira and Nacala corridors, based on profitability and potential for adoption by smallholders.
3. Improved Agricultural Input Affordability: AIMS reduced fertilizer and seed costs to smallholder farmers and increased input quality and diversity in the market, increasing crop productivity of selected commodities in target areas.
4. Strengthened Farmer Market Access: Through linkages with new input and output markets, AIMS enhanced commercialization of smallholder agriculture.

Partners:

• International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)

Overview:

The two-year, $12 million Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) was implemented by the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA) with CNFA, INternational Executive Service Corps (IESC) and Citizens Development Corps (CDC) as subcontractors from 2004 to 2006. The goal of the initiative was to help expand a competitive private sector in Iraq by offering business training and other business support services to Iraqi entrepreneurs. As the leader of the Value Chain and Marketing Development component, CNFA identified, assessed and analyzed marker opportunities throughout the entire agricultural value chain to ensure that interventions were appropriately targeted. CNFA also developed a comprehensive agribusiness strategy that addressed agribusiness development needs, priority sectors and specific interventions to strengthen weaknesses within specific value chains.

Approach:

1. Developed and Disseminated Training: The training component of PSDI was geared toward improving business skills and knowledge among the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector of the Iraqi private sector, as well as among local SME supporting institutions (banks, Chambers of Commerce, business associations and training institutions).
2. Provided Technical Assistance: CNFA provided technical assistance through American and Iraqi consultants. The technical assistance component was designed to reinforce the skills developed in training programs and to complement the provision of grants when possible.
3. Distributed Grants: CNFA was responsible for the selection of grantees and disbursement of $3 million in grant funds through 347 separate grant packages.