1. How does the network benefit your organisation?
Agri-ProFocus gives us a platform to discuss sustainable agricultural marketing options with a group of like-minded NGOs. The network provides us information we cannot easily access being a small NGO. It also gives us the opportunity to initiate cooperation with other members.

2. Please give an example of a joint action, in which the APF network played a visible role.
In the framework of the Agri-Hub in Mozambique, TASTE started a Sustainable Trade Academy together with 2 other Agri-ProFocus members KIT and VHL-WUR. The objective of the Sustainable Trade Academy in Chibuto School of Business and Entrepreneurship (ESNEC) is to deliver graduates who meet the demands of the growing commercial agricultural sector in Mozambique. In addition to access to skilled personnel ESNEC will provide affordable support to producer organisations and SMEs through the business incubator, in which students are coached to provide services such as market research. Individual capacity building projects will be connected with a local network of good practices, thereby enlarging the impact and cross-learning opportunities between producer organisations.

3. If you were in charge, what should the APF network look like in 5 years’ time?
Agri-ProFocus should be a mix of  NGOs and private sector partners who jointly operate on sustainable agricultural programmes in selected African countries. This could involve local Agri-ProFocus networks with a clear action-oriented approach, inviting members in market places instead of workshops, focusing on operational programmes that attract private sector partners as members.

4. How will your organisation contribute to the APF network in the next 2 years?
TASTE will provide practical cases of sustainable trade chains and aims to work with partners on innovative programmes in Ethiopia, Kenya and Mozambique. We like to generate more impact by connecting good practices at country level with local service providers who can serve more clients.

Contact: Denise Lapoutre

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