TechnoServe initiative for inclusive agricultural business models
This publication (PDF) by TechnoServe presents four case studies of large and influential food companies and agribusinesses that scale inclusive business models. They show the intersection of multinational corporations and sustainable smallholder production. These projects span a broad variety of contexts: sustainable mango production in India by the Coca-Cola Company, local rice and date sourcing in Egypt by the Kellogg Company, smallholder grain and cassava supply chains in Uganda and Mozambique by SABMiller and AB InBev, and tomato and potato seed distribution in Kenya by Syngenta. Each case has its own key takeaways, but the following overall guidelines were developed for companies seeking to implement inclusive business models: 1) Start by defining concrete commercial and social impact objectives. Work with key internal stakeholders across divisions within the company to define and align on specific objectives for the inclusive business model; 2) Inclusive business models require detailed, quantifiable business cases in order to gain traction within multinational corporations; 3) Achieve internal alignment. Involve a steering group that includes local, regional, and head quarters stakeholders from different divisions along the entire process from the start; 4) Operational excellence and skillful implementation, including proper consideration of context, are required to realize potential value and impact; 5) There should be focus on the quantified impact and value story, complemented with broader key performance indicators to ensure holistic delivery.