Any good example of programme to support innovation through Agrodealer networks?

Hallo Arnaud,  Yes -  I suggest having a look at the work of Proximity Designs in Myanmar - they develop technologies upon farmer demand (treadle pumps, drip irrigation, solar) and use exsiting agrodealer networks to make these available to farmers, with great results. Hope all is well with you!  Jacquetta

Hello Arnaud,

You might be interested in the experience of International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) as part of the organisation focus is to foster the development of agrodealers so that they may effectively serve farmers’ immediate and long term agricultural input needs.

I noticed IFDC has implemented project funded by USAID in Rwanda on Privatization of Rwanda’s Fertilizer Import and Distribution System as well as EU funded projects.

https://ifdc.org/2011/01/05/ifdc-announces-new-projects/

https://innovationpolicyplatform.org/sites/default/files/rdf_imported_documents/Case_-_Agro-dealer_Input_Market_Development.pdf

All the best with your search. Jules

Salut Arnaud,

Instead of a positive example, a case study quite critical on a programme in Malawi: Two Case Studies— AGRA’s Pigeon Pea Project and Malawi’s Agro-Dealer Strengthening Programme (MASP) African Centre for Biodiversity - 2016

Not meant for discouraging but for pondering the assumptions ;)

"The main problem with agro-dealers dispensing advice and managing
demonstration plots is that these are limitedto a corporate-sponsored range of Green Revolution inputs and technologies. While this approach may be useful for introducing new technologies to farmers, it is not flexible enough to respond to diverse technologies and conditions.

Hi Arnaus, currently I am involved -for the impact assessment side -in a programme that is spreading legumes related innovations (seeds, P-fertilizer, inoculants, PICs, etc) to farmers throught the use of different communication channels, including also agro-dealers, with points of sale material. it comes from a action research angle though and altough it is happening across a few countries in East and West Africa (unfortunately it does not include Rwanda), major evidence is available for Tanzania. you can find more information on the website http://africasoilhealth.cabi.org/. alternatively, i am happy to walk you through the programme.

i hope this helps

Best

Silvia