Course Overview
A value chain is a set of linked activities that work to add value to a product; it consists of actors and actions that improve a product while linking commodity producers to processors and markets. Agriculture value chains encompasses the flow of products, knowledge and information, finance, payments, and the social capital needed to organize producers and communities. These includes activities such as designing, production, marketing, distribution and support services up to the final consumer. This approach combines the strengths of value chain analysis with the promotion of sustainable market-based solutions (MBSs) that respond to the recurrent needs of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, (MSMEs) including farmers. Value chain analysis is important in understanding markets, inter-firm relationships, and critical constraints that limit growth and industry competitiveness. Collaboration among all the actors in the value chain at all levels to address value chain constraints can result in MBS that are sustainable in the long run and that do not render markets failures and information asymmetry. This training course aims at guiding participants towards development of sustainable value chains.
Duration
5 days
Target Audience
- Agricultural extension officers
- Senior agricultural officials
- Policy makers
- Community development workers
- Representatives from funding agencies
- Research organization staff
- Non-government organization (NGO) personnel
- Agricultural entrepreneurs and business owners
Organizational Impacts
- Enhanced capacity for developing and managing agricultural value chains
- Improved collaboration among stakeholders in the agriculture sector
- Increased efficiency in agricultural support activities
- Strengthened strategic partnerships with funding and research organizations
- Better alignment of development programs with market needs
- Greater effectiveness in policy formulation and implementation
Personal Impacts
- Improved knowledge of agricultural value chain concepts and practices
- Enhanced skills in market linkage development
- Greater understanding of risk management in value chains
- Increased ability to facilitate collaboration among diverse stakeholders
- Improved capacity to analyze and address gender issues in agriculture
- Expanded professional network within the agriculture sector
- Increased confidence in leading agricultural development initiatives
Course Level:
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Understand guiding principles of value chain programs that seek to improve competitiveness and benefit MSMEs through sustainable market-based solutions.
- Design value chain development projects.
- Understand the foundations of market development and value chain promotion.
- Enhance your analytical skills to determine market requirements and identify competitive challenges.
- Understand the different roles that relevant stakeholders play in value chains.
- Understand intervention strategies, the kinds of intervention and the criteria selecting in value chain development.
- Identify the advantages and disadvantages of a value chain approach.
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Value Chain Development
- Basic concepts in value chains
- Functions of value chains
- Significance of value chains
- Limitations of value chains
- Case Study: Exploring a Horticulture Value Chain in Kenya – Challenges and Opportunities
Module 2: Value Chain Project Design Overview
- Value chain selection
- Value chain analysis
- Identification of new or existing market-based solutions (MBSS)
- Identification of MBS facilitation
- Assessment of market-based solutions
- Structuring collaboration and monitoring performance
- Case Study: Designing a Coffee Value Chain Project to Improve Farmer Income in Kenya
Module 3: Agriculture Value Chain Interventions
- Agricultural value chain finance strategy and design
- Agriculture value chain partnerships
- Enabling environments for agriculture value chains success
- Agriculture value chain as an enabler of local economic development
- Case Study: Collaborative Partnerships Driving Growth in the Dairy Value Chain in Kenya
Module 4: Risk Identification, Management, and Governance in Value Chains
- Risk management framework
- Application of risk management techniques
- End market analysis
- Value chain governance
- Inter-firm relationships
- Sustainable solutions
- Case Study: Risk Mitigation Strategies for Export-Oriented Avocado Farmers in Kenya
Module 5: Gender Engagement and Market Linkages in Value Chains
- Gender analysis in agricultural markets, services, and value chains
- Enhancing women’s access to productive resources and markets
- Influencing the policy and legal environment
- Types of market linkages
- Principles for adopting a market development approach for enterprise development
- Identifying profitable markets
- Role of different stakeholders in value chains
- Factors affecting the success of linkages
- The enabling environment for market linkages
- Case Study: Promoting Women’s Participation in Market Linkages – A Case from Kenya’s Maize Sector
Related Courses
Course Administration Details:
Methodology
These instructor-led training sessions are delivered using a blended learning approach and include presentations, guided practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience as professionals and trainers in these fields. All facilitation and course materials are offered in English. Participants should be reasonably proficient in the language.
Accreditation
Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued an Indepth Research Institute (IRES) certificate certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
Training Venue
The training will be held at IRES Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and lunch. All participants will additionally cater to their travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
Accommodation and Airport Transfer
Accommodation and Airport Transfer are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training Officer.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +254715 077 817
Tailor-Made
This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our IRES Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +254715 077 817
Payment
Payment should be transferred to the IRES account through a bank on or before the start of the course. Send proof of payment to [email protected]
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