We promote value chains development

Using our vibrant networks, we facilitate the development of inclusive, viable and strategic/ prioritised value chain platforms. However, given the scale of resources and coordination required to transform the entire agricultural value chains, we focus resources and effort on selected demand-driven value chains.

We coordinate engagements amongst the various players in the prioritised value chains as agreed by industry stakeholders to foster action-oriented values of interdependence, mutual trust and commercial reciprocity. This enables stakeholders to develop social capital and effective communication within the value chain; as well as enable the different actors in the value chain to find common interests, a common language, and bring them to do business with each other, hence escaping the silos that have divided them for decades. For other value chains, outside the prioritised ones, we explore possibilities of setting up win-win partnerships using our value chain development experience, to facilitate the setting/development of such value chains.

For each priority value chain platforms, the following is normally agreed and implemented (operationalised):

1. Platform structure (with a chair and Secretariat)
2. Shared vision
3. Specific goals, targets, methods and approaches
4. Design of collaborations (partnership models)
5. Approaches and methods
6. Required resources and capabilities
7. Commitments/contributions by each partner
8. Action plans with timeline
9. Expected outputs, outcomes and impacts
10. Key progress indicators (for monitoring and evaluation)

We act as a ‘value chain champion’ by promoting long-term sustainable agribusiness relationships along the agricultural value chains. We bring potential partners around the table and build trust; support each of the partners in positioning themselves along the value chain; remind, motivate, stimulate partners and hold them accountable for their commitments; facilitate access to key services; advocate for appropriate reforms along the value chain; build focused networks to foster contacts and trust among the actors across the value chain.

Using the value chain platforms, we build collaborations by combining resources and capabilities of the different stakeholders (while at the same time preserving mandates) to support the development of viable, competitive and sustainable growth in each of the chosen priority agribusiness value chains. Emphasis is placed on the distinctive and complementing competencies of partners in creating joint values that can be shared among the value chain actors through economies of scale and economies of scope.