ETG-IFC Agribusiness Advisory Services Project

GOAL

Improve the last mile distribution of inputs, productivity & market linkages of smallholder farmers
in the maize, soybean and groundnut supply chains.

LOCATION

Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania

DURATION-

2021

-

2027

FARMERS

2,000 (direct) and 29,000 (indirect)

VALUE CHAINS

Maize, Soybean

PARTNERS

ETC Group (ETG), International Finance Corporation (IFC)

FUNDING

USD 2,000,000

Increasing the Supply Chain Efficiency of ETG through Smallholder Engagement in East & Southern Africa

The ETG-IFC Agribusiness Advisory Services Project, funded by ETG and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is a collaborative endeavour to enhance the last mile distribution of agricultural inputs, improve productivity, and foster market linkages for smallholder farmers in Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. The project aims to enhance the business skills of the target groups to better manage their enterprises, through FC’s Agribusiness Leadership Program, in addition to strengthening ETG's network of agro-dealers, VBAs, and FOs, thereby improving accessibility to agricultural inputs and the market. Additionally, smallholder farmers and their leaders receive training in Farming as a Family Business to improve their productivity and income.

A Lessons Learned workshop was held in Lilongwe in September 2023, to share the challenges and successes of the interventions in Malawi and Zambia and provide recommendations for the implementation of activities in Mozambique and Tanzania in 2024. EFF's coordination and backstopping support ensures smooth project implementation and alignment of all parties involved. A key to the sustainability of the intervention is the training of ETG field staff to provide direct guidance and support to the target groups, rather than working with external trainers. This strengthens the relationship between ETG and the enterprises and farmers, as an inputs service provider and off-taker. Through this collaboration, EFF, ETG, and IFC aim to improve the well-being of thousands of smallholder farmers, creating long-term positive change in the region.

Agricultural Productivity: Enhance agricultural productivity through sustainable and climate-smart practices, improved access to quality seeds, fertilisers, and modern technologies, and training for small-scale farmers. b. Irrigation and Water Management: Promote water conservation techniques, efficient irrigation systems, and integrated water resource management to ensure a reliable water supply for agriculture. c. Diversification: Encourage crop diversification to enhance food availability and household nutrition by promoting the cultivation of smart food crops and high-value crops for increased income generation. d. Storage and Distribution: Strengthen post-harvest management and improve storage infrastructure to reduce household food losses; and promote efficient aggregation systems for improved inputs distribution and access to markets. e. Market Linkages & Financial Services: Support the establishment or farmer cooperatives/ organisations for effective produce aggregation and market linkages, and provide technical assistance to enable small-scale producers to access domestic and international markets and financial services, fostering income generation and economic growth. f. Skills Training and Capacity Building: Facilitate agronomic training, entrepreneurship development, and business management skills to enhance the capacity of smallholder farmers and communities to generate sustainable incomes.
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