input-output_market_linkage_for_farmers_training

= Training on how to link the target farmers’ groups/pmgs to inputs and output markets = = Babati District, Tanzania = = 16 June, 2017 =


 * ==**Comprehensive report about this training (click to download)**==

Background
The Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) is collaborating with different partners in implementing a project under Africa RISING Program coordinated by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), which aims at sustainably increasing productivity and income of the Cereal-Legume Cropping Systems (maize, pigeonpea and common beans) in Babati district. The Project is collaborating with different farmers’ groups in 10 villages. The farmers and other stakeholders requested to be linked to inputs and outputs markets so that they can access required inputs for farming and markets for their produce at optimal prices.

Farmers’ training on how to link the target farmers’ groups/PMGs to inputs and output markets was conducted in Babati District on 16th June 2017. The training was facilitated by Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) team; Tanzania Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (TCCIA); Traders/buyers composed of Export Trading group (ETG), Mohamed Enterprises Tanzania Ltd (MeTL), Bajwa and Monaban; Agro-dealers (Pamoja Agrovet and Mafungu Agrovet). The training was attended by 66 people composed of farmers from the target villages, extensionists, researchers, traders/buyers, agro-dealers and market information specialist.

Objectives of the training
Objective was to train farmers on how to link the target farmers’ groups/PMGs to inputs and output markets so that they can access required inputs for farming and markets for their produce at optimal prices. Overall objective of the training was to equip farmers’ groups with skills to sell their produce to markets that offer attractive prices. Specific objectives were:


 * To make farmers understand the concept of value chain and its importance in market competition
 * To link farmers' groups with market information service providers, input suppliers and output markets
 * To create a network between farmers' groups, market information service providers, input suppliers, traders/buyers, extensionists, researchers and other stakeholders
 * To equip farmers' groups with marketing skills so that they can find reliable markets
 * To equip farmers' groups with skills in participatory to market planning that will enable them to secure reliable and attractive markets.

It was expected that at the end of the training sessions farmers would have gained skills on farming and marketing as a business.

Approach
The training was split into sessions as follows:


 * Output markets
 * Market information services
 * Opportunities for output markets
 * Availability and accessibility of production inputs

At the end of the training, farmers developed a participatory work plan for marketing their produce that would enable them to set marketing workplan with other group members upon return to their villages.

Conclusions
Farmers were happy to get education on markets, information services, and available market opportunities and input services. They requested for continuous support from partners in enabling them to secure attractive markets. Facilitators emphasized farmers to work in groups; have strong group management; adopt good agricultural practices, business skills and value chain approach; as well as to observe quality control of their produce.

Way forward
Groups need to prepare participatory market work plan that will enable them to sell their produce at attractive prices in 2017.