Zimbabwe

Agrodealer Strengthening Programme

Overview:

CNFA returned to the birthplace of our widely respected agrodealer model, which was first developed in Zimbabwe from 2000 to 2005, and has since been successfully implemented in Kenya, Malawi, Mali and Tanzania. When CNFA closed out its programme in Zimbabwe in 2005, it had built a network of 1,030 trained agrodealers covering much of the country. Under the 18 month Agrodealer Strengthening Programme (ASP-Z), our central aim was to revitalize and create a more robust network of agrodealers through which improved inputs and technology could flow to rural smallholder farmers, thereby increasing agricultural production and improving rural livelihoods. ASP-Z accomplished far more; it laid the framework for a vibrant input supply sector which created jobs, improved livelihoods, and brought food security to thousands of individuals – bolstering rural economies throughout the provinces of Masvingo, Midlands, Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South.

Programme Approach:

  1. Provided training in business management, as well as technical training on new crop varieties, production technologies and the safe use, handling and storage of fertilizers and crop protection products;
  2. Worked with agrodealers, input suppliers and research institutions to stimulate demand for improved inputs and production practices through demonstration plots and farmer field days;
  3. Stimulated investment in agrodealers and increased rural access to finance through guarantee and matching grants facilities;
  4. Created sustainable agrodealer associations to advocate for member interests.

ASPZ trained agrodealers in business management as well as technical training on new varieties, production technologies, and the safe use, handling and storage of fertilizers and crop protection products. We worked with agrodealers, input supply companies, and research institutions to stimulate farmer adoption of new varieties, inputs, and production practices through demonstration plots and farmer field days. Further, ASPZ stimulated investment in and lending to agrodealers, through the targeted use of a guarantee facility (GF). Lastly, ASPZ created sustainable agrodealer associations to address common concerns and advocate for member interests.

Programme Impact:

  • 274 Agrodealers that completed business management training, of which 117 (46%) were women;
  • 82,921 Households with improved access to quality agricultural inputs;
  • 17,664 Farmers trained in best practice planting, cultivation, and harvesting techniques;
  • $1.2 million in trade credit leveraged in one season, providing 63 agrodealers with inputs on credit or consignment.