The RENDER project increased rural incomes in the target area by bringing together active and motivated associations to build economies of scale, increase marketing power, and facilitate business contracting. It enabled farmer-owned businesses to become a growing part of a dynamic agribusiness sector in Mozambique's Manica Province. The program analyzed market chains for key commodities, such as maize, beans, ground nuts, paprika, garlic and fresh fruits and vegetables, and then targeted technical assistance to address weaknesses in the farm-to-market process. RENDER staff taught new production and postharvest techniques; provided training in association development and better business management; and assisted farmers to market fruit and vegetables to high-end retail outlets, such as supermarkets in the provincial capital, as well as regional and extra-regional processors.

The Young Farmers Initiative, a sub-project of RENDER, established 13 students from the Chimoio Agricultural Institute (IAC) as commercial farmers. The program had four phases:

• Five-month internship with Zimbabwean farmers (January to May 2004)
• Thesis writing and defense and graduation from IAC (June 2004)
• Young farmers produce inside commercial farms (2004-2005)
• Young farmers begin producing for themselves on land legalized by DPA and have access for up to USD 30,000 in credit from GAPI (2005-2006)

During phases one and two, ACDI/VOCA staff provided monthly classes on agribusiness and basic computer skills to the students.

Paul Guenette
pguenette@acdivoca.org

October 2001 to January 2005