The Equitable Prosperity through Private Sector Development programme was implemented by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) under Global Affairs Canada. Its overall objective was to enhance the economic value of specific horticulture value chains by increasing the quality and quantity of produce destined for local, regional and international markets. It also aimed to improve the gender and environmental performance of smallholder producer enterprises (SEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
What AAA did
- Identified gaps and opportunities in the mango, avocado and African leafy vegetable value chains, and developed capacity development programmes in quality management, marketing, supply chain management, environmental audits and value addition, with gender mainstreaming and inclusivity built in.
- Carried out a value chain analysis and market study for the three value chains, documenting the gaps and opportunities that shaped training modules, business ideas and business models.
- Developed training content for SMEs and SEs on food safety and hygiene, marketing, supply chain management, business planning, environmental audits, gender equality and value addition, and delivered capacity building together with the county governments.
Results
AAA delivered capacity development to 87 SMEs and SEs and connected 18 of them — mainly youth- and women-led enterprises and start-ups — to suitable coaches and mentors. AAA also helped 15 businesses develop bankable, investor-ready business plans, which were submitted to MEDA for potential financial assistance.
Case study
- The challenge
Horticulture producers in five counties needed to raise the quality and quantity of mangoes, avocados and African leafy vegetables destined for local, regional and international markets, while improving gender and environmental performance.
- What AAA did
AAA carried out a value chain analysis and market study for the three value chains, then developed and delivered training on food safety and hygiene, marketing, supply chain management, business planning, environmental audits, gender equality and value addition, working with the county governments.
- What changed
87 SMEs and smallholder producer enterprises received capacity development, 18 were connected to coaches and mentors, and 15 developed bankable, investor-ready business plans that were submitted to MEDA for potential financial assistance.
