Setting up Micro-enterprises to Promote Soybean Utilization at Household Level in Ethiopia

This project built on the previous work of the Centre for Development Innovation, Wageningen UR in the soy sector development in Ethiopia. As processors were linked more and more to producers in the soy sector, the need arose to explore options to enhance household nutrition security of producers in soy growing areas. One of such option was setting up a pilot microenterprise based on the VitaGoat system at the most successful soy growing cooperative in Ethiopia. The VitaGoat system has been already proved an economically viable initiative in several African countries. The system can produce soy milk, tofu, yogurt, fruit and vegetable sauces, purees and juices, flour or meal from corn, wheat, soy, rice, etc. and ground roasted coffee. While the VitaGoat system has been very promising, the project encountered challenges, some of the was Ethiopia-specific, that only partly could be solved. Report CDI-14-014

Is inclusive business for you? Managing and upscaling an inclusive company: Lessons from the field

Presented in an attractive and accessible way, this publication provides readers with a valuable understanding of how agri-food markets can contribute to food security and rural poverty reduction, while still building profitable commercial relations. It aims to distil original research on incentives and mechanisms for inclusiveness, success factors and obstacles, and opportunities for scaling up successful models. Bringing together ten case studies across a wide range of commodities in East Africa, the book features numerous photos, tables and diagrams, and includes a useful ‘Lessons learnt’ chapter at the end

Is Inclusive Business for you? Managing and upsclaing an inclusive company : Lessons from the field

Can agri-food companies do it all? Develop new markets, secure supply, protect reputations, ensure profits and reduce poverty, create jobs and guarantee food supplies? Company strategies now commonly refer to ‘creating shared value’ and ‘inclusive business’. But with growing pressure on resources, a billion hungry people and some four billion people at the base of the economic pyramid by 2050, are we making progress fast enough? What options are there with real promise? And, how can all stakeholders collaborate better to bring change at scale? This report gives the outcomes of the ‘From Islands of Success to Seas of Change’ initiative on scaling inclusive agri-food markets. It combines background research, interviews and case studies with the insights of 100 leaders from business, government, NGOs, research, and farmer organizations who attended the Seas of Change workshop in April 2012. The case for scaling inclusive agrifood markets is explained and ten key challenges are explored. This leads to lessons for key stakeholders and a follow-up agenda for improved targeting of inclusive investments

How does the fruit and vegetable sector contribute to food and nutrition security?

The Dutch Food & Business Knowledge Platform (F&BKP) commissioned an explorative study regarding the existing knowledge base from development practice and research about the potential of the Fruit and Vegetables (F&V) sector to contribute to Food & Nutrition Security (FNS) in the context of (a) sustainable development (i.e. economic, social, ecological and gender equity) and (b) the Dutch international cooperation agenda (i.e. combining aid, trade and investments). The outcome of this explorative study is reflected in this document. The findings and recommendations in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Food & Business Knowledge Platform

How does the fruit and vegetable sector contribute to food and nutrition security?

The Dutch Food & Business Knowledge Platform (F&BKP) commissioned an explorative study regarding the existing knowledge base from development practice and research about the potential of the Fruit and Vegetables (F&V) sector to contribute to Food & Nutrition Security (FNS) in the context of (a) sustainable development (i.e. economic, social, ecological and gender equity) and (b) the Dutch international cooperation agenda (i.e. combining aid, trade and investments). The outcome of this explorative study is reflected in this document. The findings and recommendations in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Food & Business Knowledge Platform

Small-scale edible oil milling operations: Alternative business models for Ethiopia

The Ethiopian government is aiming to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oil by 2015. The aim of this research was to develop sustainable business models for millers, increase their competitiveness, and enhance food safety and security in Ethiopia within the changing policy context