1. How does the network benefit your organisation?
Agri-ProFocus builds joint Southern and Northern networks for effective development projects. For Aeres Group, this provides easy access to all actors, and helps us to integrate our development and market-driven projects in a specific country’s environment.

2. Please give an example of a joint action, in which the Agri-ProFocus network played a visible role.
Agri-ProFocus is providing a framework in which we can easily access sources of information and potential project partners, both regionally and in the Netherlands. As Aeres Group is a service provider and not a development aid co-financed organisation, we rely on projects designed by others. Agri-ProFocus can provide an excellent basis for well-integrated and sustainable projects. In the Netherlands, Aeres Group has hosted APF expert meetings.

3. If you were in charge, what should the Agri-ProFocus network look like in 5 years’ time?
The present strategy and structure of Aeres Group with our regional networks has been operating for just two years. It could be more effective in generating new projects, and getting inputs from other donor funds than just Dutch development aid as donor coordination is gaining more and more importance. However the basics of the Agri-ProFocus approach need no change. We can further build on earlier efforts as a network and expand our joint activities.

4. How will your organisation contribute to the Agri-ProFocus network in the next 2 years?
Aeres Group is a natural complement fitting in most projects to transfers know-how for practical skills in agriculture. By activating our existing Southern training centre partners Aeres Group can provide more tailor-made, effective and competitive forms of capacity building services in training and extension, as well as actual courses for emerging entrepreneurs.

Aeres Group will work on sustainable, market-oriented projects by optimising benefits in the value chain from a farmer’s perspective.

Contact: Klaas Steur

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