Course Overview
This 5-module course is designed to empower farmers, cooperatives, extension officers, and agri-entrepreneurs with practical strategies and tools to improve access to markets. It explores value chain development, market intelligence, standards compliance, and innovative models for connecting producers to buyers. The course integrates real-life examples and participatory exercises to equip learners with actionable knowledge to boost incomes and promote inclusive agribusiness.
DURATION
5 Days
Target Audience
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Smallholder Farmers and Cooperatives
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Agricultural Extension Officers
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Agribusiness Development Practitioners
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NGO and Development Partners in Agriculture
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Policy Makers and Trade Advisors
Course Level: Intermediate
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will:
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Understand market dynamics and barriers facing smallholder farmers
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Map agricultural value chains and identify intervention points
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Use market information systems for better decision-making
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Comply with quality, safety, and certification requirements
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Establish sustainable links between farmers and domestic or export markets
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1: Understanding Market Access Challenges
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Key barriers: infrastructure, information gaps, middlemen, and policy issues
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Assessing market potential for different crops/products
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Importance of aggregation and collective marketing
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Case Study: Market linkage success in a farmer cooperative
Module 2: Agricultural Value Chain Development
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Identifying actors and flows within a value chain
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Value addition and post-harvest handling
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Linking production to demand trends
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Activity: Value chain mapping for a selected crop
Module 3: Market Intelligence and Digital Tools
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Accessing and interpreting price and demand data
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Mobile and web-based market information systems
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Using ICT to match buyers and sellers
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Practical Demo: Using a digital market platform
Module 4: Standards, Certification, and Quality Control
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Meeting domestic and export market standards
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Certification schemes (organic, GlobalG.A.P., Fair Trade)
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Grading, labeling, and packaging best practices
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Group Exercise: Designing a product compliance checklist
Module 5: Building Sustainable Market Linkages
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Contract farming and out-grower schemes
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Cooperatives, producer organizations, and aggregation centers
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Trade fairs, buyer forums, and PPPs
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Final Project: Developing a market access strategy for a farmer group
Customized Training
This training can be tailored to your institution needs and delivered at a location of your choice upon request.
Requirements
Participants need to be proficient in English.
Training Fee
The fee covers tuition, training materials, refreshments, lunch, and study visits. Participants are responsible for their own travel, visa, insurance, and personal expenses.
Certification
A certificate from Ideal Workplace Solutions is awarded upon successful completion.
Accommodation
Accommodation can be arranged upon request. Contact via email for reservations.
Payment
Payment should be made before the training starts, with proof of payment sent to outreach@idealworkplacesolutions.org.
For further inquiries, please contact us on details below:
