Proposed Value Chain Development Training Program
for Agri-ProFocus in Rwanda

11-15November 2014

1. Introduction

SNV is pleased to propose a value chain development training program for the network members and partner organizations of the AgriPro Focus Rwanda. This proposal presents the objective, methodology and training schedule for conducting the training program.

2. Training Program Overview

The VCD training program presents tools and methodologies for program design that combine the strengths of value chain analysis with methods for identifying market-based solutions that promote MSME and industry competitivenessin a commercially sustainable manner.

The VCD training is based on a six-step approach to program design with distinct sessions for each step. The major steps involved in the approach are presented below:

  1. Value chain selection
  2. Value chain analysis
  3. Identification and selection of market based solutions
  4. Assessment of Market Based Solutions
  5. Identification and selection of market based solutions
  6. Performance measurement

3. Content, Methodology and Expected Results

The VCD training program is based on a five-step approach (described earlier). During the workshop there are distinct presentations and sessions for each step. In addition, participants will apply the lessons and tools from each session toward progressive case studies.

Upon completion of the training program, it is anticipated that participants will be able to develop new enterprise development programs or reorient existing projects that apply the latest approaches for achieving sustainable impacts by promoting market-based solutions to the constraints of MSMEs. In particular, participants will be able to:

•Identify and select value chains for program interventions that have the potential to growwhile increasing incomes for large numbers of the targeted beneficiaries

  • Analyze value chains to identify the inter-firm relations of market actors, growth opportunities for the value chain and market actors’ constraints for realizing this growth
  • Identify, prioritize and assess market-based solutions for the project to promote that will result in commercially viable solutions to the recurring constraints of MSMEs
  • Craft interventions that best promote market-based solutions
  • Monitor and evaluate the performance of value chain development programs

4. Qualifications of Proposed SNV Facilitators

Ranjan Shrestha

Profession: Senior Advisor / Sector Leader – Agriculture

Ranjan Shrestha is a senior advisor in agribusiness. He has more than two decades of experience in designing and implementing micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) promotion programmes. His expertise includes agriculture value chain development, business service market development, inclusive business, strengthening producer and business membership organisations and facilitating public-private policy dialogues. Mr Shrestha has worked in Nepal for 15 years with GTZ and UNDP in income generation and employment creation through MSME development. He has worked for SNV since 2002. During Mr Shrestha’s tenure at SNV, he has worked as the enterprise development advisor in Vietnam promoting the handicraft value chain. As Senior Advisor and Sector Leader in agricultural and forest products in Lao PDR, he managed various projects under Rice Value Chain Development Programme and a multi-country Inclusive Business Models to Promote Sustainable Smallholder Cassava Production in partnership with CIAT. He is currently managing IFAD funded Coffee programme and supervising beekeeping and dairy programme in Rwanda. He is also Global Rice Coordinator for SNV. He holds an MBA.

Elie Nsabimana

Profession: Agribusiness Advisor

Elie is an agribusiness advisor with demonstrated expertise in value chains and inclusive business development. For over 20 years he has supported agricultural cooperatives in business planning, management skills development, market linkages and access to finance. His key competencies include participatory rapid assessment (PRA), value chain analysis, producers’ organizations and strengthening, business to business relationships development, inclusive business, training and facilitation and multi-stakeholder processes.

In the last six years, Elie has worked extensively in the beekeeping sector to support the honey value chain in Rwanda. He has played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the Rwanda National beekeeping framework, beekeeping policies and standards, promoting public private partnerships in the honey value chain. He also provided substantial technical assistance in carrying out baseline surveys, value chains analysis, designing project proposals and training tools. Elie holds a Master’s degree in Business administration with a bias on project management from Mount Kenya University, has also an advanced diploma in entrepreneurship development.

  1. Participants

The training is targeting highly motivated professionals involved in value chain development from NGOs (International, Local), Private Sector, Public sector, Research and high learning Institutions. It is expected to train 30 participants.

  1. Conditions of participation

Each participant will submit a motivation letter to by 15/10/2014 at 5pm. Selected candidates will pay a participation fee of Rwf 50,000, and each one will pay for his/herroom and Agri-Profocus will cover other logistic costs.

  1. Venue

The training will take place outside Kigali (the name will be communicated to you later), from Tuesday 11th to Saturday15thNovember, 2014. All participants are requested to be at the site on Monday10th.

Value Chain Program Design: Promoting Market Solutions for MSMEs

Kigali – xxxxx to xxxx

Day 1 / 8:00 am / Registration
8:30 am / Opening and Introduction
Introduction into Economic Development and Value Chain promotion
10:30 am / Break
10:45 am / Overview of Value Chain Programme for Promoting Market Solutions for MSMEs
12:30 pm / Lunch
1:30 pm / Session 1: Value Chain Selection
3:00 pm / Break
3:15 pm / Session 2: Value Chain Analysis
5:30 pm / End of day
Day 2 / 8:30 am / Session 2: (continued)
10:30 am / Break
10:45 am / Session 2: (continued)
12:30 pm / Lunch
1:30 pm / Session 3: Identification of Market-based Solutions
3:00 pm / Break
3:15 pm / Session 3: (continued)
5:30 pm / End of day
Day 3 / 8:30 am / Session 3: (continued)
10:30 am / Break
10:45 am / Session 4: Assessment of Market-based Solutions
12:30 pm / Lunch
2:00 pm / Session 4: (Continued)
3:30 pm / Break
3:45 pm / Session 5: Identification of Facilitation Activities
5:00 pm / End of day
Day 4 / 8:30 am / Session 5: (continued)
10:30 am / Break
10:45 am / Session 6: Performance Measurement
12:30 pm / Lunch
1:30 pm / Session 7: Action Planning
3:00 pm / Break
3:15 pm / Evaluation and Closing
5:30 pm / End of day