Overview
The "CIP Nutrition-Focused Marketing of AIV and OFSP Year 3 Final Report" by the International Potato Center (CIP) for Kilimo Trust outlines the third year of a project aimed at improving nutrition and incomes through the marketing of African Indigenous Vegetables (AIV) and Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotatoes (OFSP) in Kenya and Tanzania.
Key Objectives
- Expand Participation: Increase the involvement of smallholder farmers and micro-enterprises.
- Sustainable Production: Develop and apply improved technologies for AIV and OFSP production.
- Market Linkages: Create sustainable market connections for farmers.
- Nutrition Promotion: Boost consumption of AIV and OFSP through targeted campaigns.
- Evaluate CVA: Assess the effectiveness of the Commercial Village Approach (CVA).
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Understand the economic impact of the CVA.
- Market Potential: Evaluate demand and quality standards for AIV and OFSP.
Achievements
- Farmer Mobilization: 2,647 farmers organized into 99 marketing support units (MSUs) and 16 commercial villages (CVs).
- Training: 1,310 training sessions conducted on production, marketing, and financial management.
- Market Linkages: Established connections with formal and informal markets, resulting in sales worth Kshs. 13.6 million (USD $202,880).
- Seed and Vine Multiplication: Produced and distributed 245 kg of AIV seeds and 660 kg of OFSP vines.
- Promotion Campaigns: Conducted 24 campaigns, reaching over 20,000 consumers.
Impact
- Adoption and Commercialization: Higher adoption and commercialization of AIV among participants.
- Nutrition: Increased awareness and consumption of AIV and OFSP, especially among children and women.
- Economic Benefits: Significant income gains for farmers, with an estimated net present value (NPV) of USD $455,448 and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 66%.
Lessons Learned
- Group Formation: Effective group formation and governance are crucial.
- Market Strategies: Different strategies are needed for formal and informal markets.
- Technology Adoption: Varies among farmers, requiring tailored approaches.
- Partnerships: Strong partnerships enhance sustainability.
Conclusion
The project successfully increased the production, marketing, and consumption of AIV and OFSP, leading to improved nutrition and incomes for smallholder farmers. The CVA proved effective in mobilizing farmers and establishing market linkages, with significant economic and nutritional benefits observed.