CoP_Private_sector_engagement

(Champion: Patrick Okori, ICRISAT).
 * //Private Sector Engagement for Better Linkages of Farmers to Input and Output Markets // **

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All projects have had very limited engagement with the private sector (PS) during Phase I. To some extent this is understandable because the PS wants validated and proven technologies and these were the major outputs of the first phase. However, we have them now and the risk is that we will not make best use of the opportunities that are out there because we do not know how to engage with the PS. Some strategic thinking and activities are needed otherwise we are unlikely to achieve much adoption of our technologies and markets for the anticipated surplus produce.

The impact of Africa RISING shall be achieved if the programme can develop and engage with appropriate scaling agencies with the appropriate scope and scale. In phase I all projects had very limited engagement with the private sector (PS) and other complementary scaling investments needed to improve functionality of input and output markets was also minimal. To some extent this is understandable because the PS and allied agencies need validated technologies and these were the major outputs of the first phase. However, we have them now and the risk is that we will not make best use of the opportunities that are out there because we do not know how to engage with the PS. It is therefore imperative that Africa RISING research teams engage in a more strategic manner to better understand the “science of delivery” for its technologies including engaging private sector and allied agencies and actors. Thus strategic thinking and activities are needed otherwise we are unlikely to achieve much adoption of our technologies and markets for the anticipated surplus produce.

__Interested members__:


 * Petra Schmitter
 * Agnes Mwangwela
 * Harry Ngoma
 * Elirehema Swai
 * Joachim Binam
 * Anthony Kimaro