Training Course on Agri-SME Development and Market Linkages

Course Overview
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a pivotal role in transforming agriculture from subsistence to market-oriented systems. Agri-SMEs serve as vital connectors between producers, processors, input suppliers, aggregators, and markets. However, many agri-SMEs face barriers such as limited access to finance, weak business systems, and fragmented market connections.
This course is designed to strengthen the capacity of practitioners, agri-entrepreneurs, and development actors to support the growth, formalization, and market integration of Agri-SMEs. Participants will explore strategies for business development, value chain integration, market systems analysis, and public-private partnership facilitation. The course also focuses on improving competitiveness, quality standards, aggregation, and digital tools for market access.
Through interactive lectures, field-based case studies, business simulations, and peer-to-peer learning, participants will gain hands-on skills to diagnose challenges facing agri-SMEs and co-create solutions that enhance business sustainability and access to markets.
________________________________________
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
•Understand the role of Agri-SMEs in rural economies and food systems.
•Assess business development needs of agri-SMEs and producer groups.
•Facilitate access to output and input markets through value chain linkages.
•Promote inclusive business models that benefit smallholder producers.
•Support Agri-SMEs to meet quality, certification, and buyer standards.
•Develop market linkage strategies using digital platforms and partnerships.
________________________________________
Target Audience
This course is designed for:
•Agri-SME owners and managers
•Agribusiness support organizations and consultants
•Cooperative and producer group leaders
•Extension agents and market linkage facilitators
•NGO and government staff working in agriculture, trade, and value chains
•Financial institutions and digital service providers supporting agri-enterprises
________________________________________
Training Methodology
•Case studies of successful Agri-SME and market linkage models
•Business diagnostics and enterprise coaching simulations
•Market system mapping and stakeholder analysis
•Practical sessions on aggregation, branding, and digital marketing
•Group work to develop enterprise growth and linkage strategies
________________________________________
Expected Outcomes
Participants will:
•Gain skills to design and implement support programs for Agri-SMEs
•Improve their ability to strengthen market access and competitiveness
•Enhance linkages between farmers, SMEs, and markets
•Develop strategies for scaling Agri-SME participation in value chains
•Produce actionable market linkage plans and business support tools