Small and medium enterprises in agriculture value chain: opportunities and recommendations
This report by Shujog, commissioned by Oxfam, analyses the effectiveness of development programs in addressing challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the agriculture sector in Asia. The purpose of this report is to inform the decision-making of development programs that aim to catalyze the growth of Social Enterprises (SEs) in agriculture and attract impact investment capital to fuel the growth of the food and agriculture sector in Asia. Access to timely, affordable, and appropriate type of finance, and consistent access to stable and high-value markets remain the most daunting challenges faced by SMEs in agriculture. It was found that most of the development interventions targeting these challenges were relevant and effective when they were tailored for the specific geography and market conditions they targeted. Social Enterprises in agriculture face unique challenges in addition to those faced by SMEs in agriculture. Several recommendations are made for existing and new interventions for addressing these challenges.