DEVELOPING AND SUSTAINING THE AGRIBUSINESS VALUE CHAIN

INTRODUCTION 
Agribusiness plays a critical role in economic growth, food security, employment, and rural development. However, many agribusinesses struggle not because of production challenges alone, but due to weak linkages across the value chain from input supply and farming to processing, marketing, and distribution. 

This two-day training is designed to help participants understand the agribusiness value chain as a connected system rather than isolated activities. The training focuses on practical strategies for developing, strengthening, and sustaining value chains that are efficient, competitive, and resilient. Participants will explore real-world challenges, opportunities, and best practices for improving coordination, adding value, managing risk, and ensuring long-term sustainability across the agribusiness ecosystem.
 

COURSE OBJECTIVES 
By the end of this training, participants will be able to: 

• Understand the agribusiness value chain and its key components 

• Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities within value chains 

• Strengthening linkages among farmers, processors, marketers, and financiers 

• Apply strategies for value addition and market development 

• Improve coordination, governance, and partnerships across the value chain 

• Manage risks affecting agribusiness operations 

 
COURSE OUTLINE 

Module 1: Understanding the Agribusiness Value Chain 

• What the agribusiness value chain means in practice 

• Key actors and their roles 

• How value is created along the chain 

• Common challenges in agribusiness value chains 

Module 2: Mapping and Analyzing Agribusiness Value Chains 

• Value chain mapping techniques 

• Identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies 

• Understanding cost, value, and margins 

• Practical examples from key agricultural commodities 

Module 3: Input Supply, Production, and Productivity 

• Role of quality inputs and services 

• Improving farm-level productivity 

• Technology and innovation in production 

• Supporting smallholder farmers 

Module 4: Post-Harvest Handling and Value Addition 

• Reducing post-harvest losses 

• Processing and packaging opportunities 

• Quality standards and certification 

• Enhancing product value and competitiveness 

Module 5: Market Access and Distribution Strategies 

• Understanding market demand and consumer preferences 

• Linking producers to markets 

• Pricing, branding, and market positioning 

• Domestic and export market opportunities 

Module 6: Financing the Agribusiness Value Chain 

• Funding needs across the value chain 

• Access to finance and credit options 

• Role of financial institutions and investors 

• Risk-sharing and innovative financing models 

Module 7: Governance, Coordination, and Partnerships 

• Importance of coordination among value chain actors 

• Role of cooperatives, associations, and clusters 

• Public–private partnerships 

• Contract farming and out-grower schemes 

Module 8: Managing Risks in Agribusiness Value Chains 

• Production, market, climate, and financial risks 

• Risk mitigation and resilience strategies 

• Insurance and risk management tools 

• Building shock-resistant value chains 

Module 9: Sustainability and Inclusiveness in Agribusiness 

• Environmental sustainability and climate-smart agriculture 

• Social inclusion and gender participation 

• Youth engagement in agribusiness 

• Long-term value chain sustainability 

Module 10: Developing a Sustainable Agribusiness Value Chain Action Plan 

• Turning learning into practical strategies 

• Designing value chain improvement plans 

• Measuring performance and impact 

• Key success factors for sustaining value chains.