M a r k e t ...A c c e s s

In 2002, TIP added a new service of Market Access and Agro-enterprise Development for smallholder farmers. Increased crop productivity lead to competition in domestic markets, plus higher expectations and tougher demands from customers and consumers.

TIP in collaboration with International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT),implemented a pilot project known as Beyond Agricultural Productivity to Poverty Alleviation (BAPPA) in 3 water user groups in Lushoto. The Project was later changed to Enabling Rural Innovation (ERI). The project was successiful that TIP developed an integrated approach for accessing markets and agro enterprise development for smallholder farmers. The approach is currently being implemented by 13 districts through Agricultural Marketing Systems Development Programme (AMSDP).

Objectives:

Empower small rural producers in dealing with market problems by identifying and accessing market opportunities.

Guide the process of agro enterprise selection and development.

Develop and test methodologies, approaches and processes to empower rural communities to improve their own livelihoods by supporting their capacity to innovate.