For Africa to experience a green revolution and to spur agricultural growth and food security on the continent there is a need to create agriculture-related jobs for its ever increasing population and to build a cadre of Agri-preneurs to drive agricultural growth and agribusiness creation. However, agri-preneurs continue to face significant domestic challenges that impede their efforts such as lack of access to financing, support services and skills training. These challenges are even greater for youth and women. A high demand exists among these target groups for skills and knowledge on how to identify, start and manage successful agribusinesses.
Participants actively involved during the training sessions
In promoting the inclusiveness of youth and women in the advancement of agriculture transformation and building on its existing leadership training program, Africa Lead organized a Training of Trainers (TOT) course for facilitators from partner organizations to deliver its new Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship Short Course. The goal of the TOT was to ensure facilitators are able to develop the capacity of entrepreneurs in agribusiness identification, planning and management in order to strengthen start-ups and expand existing enterprises. In preparation of launch of the Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship Short Course across the region, Africa Lead coached and trained nineteen (19) regional trainers that now form the team that will deliver this short course to youth and women. The course, delivered from March 29 – April 1, 2017, brought together 19 (12 male and 7 female)Trainers and Facilitators from the DRC, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal.
Participants practice various facilitation exercise
The participants were trained in key participatory methodologies and approaches such as Point presentations and discussions, self-assessment, group/individual exercises, case studies and role-plays. The course emphasized the need to identify challenges and opportunities in various agriculture value chains, the development of business ideas and the key components of a business plan.
It further addressed how to manage cash flow, creating financial statements, writing an executive summary of a business plan, carrying out market research and developing a bankable business plan. Participants also engaged in discussions about how to identify opportunities and financial resources for future support. The training served as an opportunity for Trainers to establish networks for collaborations and partnerships within the region. Agribusiness TOT at a glance