START OF TWO NEW PROJECTS IN ETHIOPIA TO STRENGTHEN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

Posted on 30 May, 2022 by Anke Schnoor

GFA began implementing two new projects in Ethiopia on behalf of GIZ. These projects are part of the program module “Strengthening Rural Value Chains (SRVC)” and belong to the overarching program of the German Development Cooperation, “Promoting agricultural productivity in Ethiopia.” The SRVC aims to improve the rural population’s income and employment situation through increases in agricultural productivity and the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSME) upstream and downstream in the agricultural sector.

One SRVC component (Output 4) focuses on improving stakeholders' access to inputs, services & markets in agricultural value chains (Avocado, Onion, and Soy Bean). The activities take place in the Sidama, Amhara, and Oromia regions. Strategic interventions from seven long-term experts and a number of short-term consultants shall help increase producers and MSME’s access to services, inputs, and markets. This intervention will contribute to enhancing producers’ productivity and incomes, and encourage cooperation with other private sector stakeholders.

A second component (Output 1) aims at strengthening business associations in the agricultural sector through Agricultural Investment Climate Surveys (AICS). In addition, the establishment of dialogue mechanisms between the government and private sector in agribusiness will help facilitate communication and a sharing of ideas about enabling a general conditions framework for value chain stakeholders. Four long-term experts will implement interventions in favor of a national business association and farmer umbrella organizations that include, for example, capacity development of staff from the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce (training, exchange visits, dialogue, fora, etc.). Further interventions include the facilitation of Public-Private and multi-stakeholder Dialogues (PPD) and dialogue platforms. In addition, the AICS shall be periodically conducted and anchored in an Ethiopian organization for future continuation. Both projects will run until the end of 2024.

#Agriculture #ValueChain #Avocado #Ethiopia @AICS @GIZ