The World Vegetable Centre, an international nonprofit for vegetable research and development based in Taiwan, has initiated a six-million-euro project aimed at creating employment and bolstering the value chain in the vegetable trade in Ethiopia and Kenya.
The project, funded by the IKEA Foundation and implemented in collaboration with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, is expected to last five years. It aims to establish 200 vegetable business networks (VBNs) and engage an estimated 4,000 women and youth.
The project, carried out in three phases, has nearly completed its first phase: identification of entry points. The second phase, which will last four years includes recruitment and training of business coaches who will in turn provide training to VBNs on marketing and productivity. This phase will also look to introduce new technologies to vegetable producers and promote the consumption of vegetables among the general public.
The final phase will be focused on leadership development.
