1. How does the network benefit your organisation?
A practical benefit of the Agri-Hub in Niger is that there are now a structure and platform where the relevant Dutch actors in Niger (e.g. Oxfam Novib, SNV, Agriterra, WUR and KIT) coordinate activities with each other and their local partners. We have agreed to jointly work on a number of issues that emerged from a multi-stakeholder setting: seed production, onion marketing, marketing of milk, livestock and land use planning. Joint strategising, resource mobilisation, implementation and learning are now possible and this is certainly a step forward.

2. Please give an example of a joint action, in which the APF network played a visible role.
The best examples are joint action that is taking place in the Agri-Hubs. Apart from Niger, Oxfam Novib is involved in the Agri-Hubs in Rwanda and Uganda. In both countries, local value chain development was chosen as a leading theme. In Rwanda, farmer organisations and service providers were clustered around specific value chains, such as maize, potatoes and cassava. APF members have coordinated which organisation takes the lead in support of the different clusters.

3. If you were in charge, what should the APF network look like in 5 years’ time?
In five years’ time the network is strongly rooted in the countries where Agri-Hubs are running or where they could be initiated. By then, it should have become a reference point and clearing house for any organisation and person interested in promoting farmer entrepreneurship in those countries. APF should be able to show concrete results, interesting cases and models of collaboration, best practices in value chain development, agro-finance, strengthening farmer organisations etc. The country networks should be owned by local organisations and be a credible partner for governments and the private sector.

4. How will your organisation contribute to the APF network in the next 2 years?
In selected countries, we will continue to contribute to the ongoing Agri-Hubs. We are also looking at new countries where an Agri-Hub could be started. In Niger, where we have the lead, our contribution will continue to be significant in terms of financial and human resources. Oxfam Novib pays for a full-time APF Country Co-ordinator who steers the activities of the APF programme ‘Accompagnement a la Promotion de l’Enterpreneuriat Agricicole’ (APEA). Oxfam Novib could also consider taking the lead in another Agri-Hub.

Contact: Sabina Voogd

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