Economic Empowerment Program

Low productivity, characterized by low production levels and irregular supply of traded commodities along the value chain, has been identified as one of the key barriers to the commercialization of the agricultural sector. To address this challenge, SEDI will support value chain actors—men, women, and youth—in the prioritized value chains (PVCs) by implementing the following interventions:

Interventions

• Enhancing Technical Capacity: SEDI will build the technical capacity of service providers based on identified value chain opportunities, ensuring they are equipped to meet industry demands effectively.
• Promoting Value Chain Innovations and Market Linkage: Focus will be placed on innovations with high prospects for women and youth value chain actors, fostering inclusivity and sustainable growth.
• Market Linkages: SEDI will support value chain actors with “soft” market access interventions by identifying and accelerating breakthrough solutions, ideas, and conversations through partners who facilitate market linkages, market information, and financial services.

SEDI aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial skills of priority value chain actors and service providers, stimulating commercial enterprise creation. This initiative will focus on the following:

Entrepreneurial Development

• Entrepreneurial Skills Development: SEDI will develop value chain actors and service providers in priority agricultural value chains through comprehensive entrepreneurial and technical skills enhancement.
• Growth of Commercial Agricultural Value Chain Enterprises: By boosting the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), SEDI will contribute to sustainable incomes and food security through targeted entrepreneurial skills development for value chain actors and service providers.
• Development of Entrepreneurial Resources: SEDI will support the creation and use of resources such as the “Start Your Value Chain Enterprise Trainer’s Manual,” “My Business Plan,” “Buying for Your Enterprise,” “Costing for Your Value Chain Enterprise,” and “Record Keeping and Sustainability” manuals. These resources will help value chain actors and service providers achieve sustainable income and food security.

SEDI’s active entrepreneurship strategy will enhance the ability of value chain actors to start, grow, and establish enterprises to economic scales that ensure market access, profitability, and financial viability. This strategy includes:

Strategy Components

• Entrepreneurial Skills Analysis and Assessment: Conducting thorough analyses and assessments to identify the needs of value chain actors.
• Directory of Assistance: Developing a directory of assistance to provide targeted support to the identified groups.
• Intensive Capacity Development: Offering intensive capacity development programs to equip value chain actors with the necessary skills and knowledge for sustainable enterprise development.