The first edition of the rural trade fair will be held in Gounou-Gaya and Doba, respectively, on November 25th and 30th.

Backgound

This fair is being organized within the framework of the Project for the Enhancement of Rural Services through the Development of Agripreneurship in the Southern Zone of Chad, a collaborative initiative of IDH and JBC-E. This initiative is a component of the landscape approach spearheaded by IDH, whose objective is to enhance the resilience of agricultural communities in the southern regions of Chad. This vision will be accomplished by pursuing three fundamental pillars, namely Production, Protection, and Inclusion. The theme chosen for this first edition is: strengthening the resilience of rural producers through training and social inclusion. The aforementioned theme immediately identifies the primary objectives of the initiative and aligns with its overall objective.

?After a year of support focused on training, coaching, and mentoring, JBC-C, in charge of the implementation of this initiative, is going to evaluate the effects of its activities on the growth of 130 rural micro-entrepreneurs. The Agripreneurship and Associated Sectors Fair (FAPSA) is a significant milestone in the establishment of a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in rural areas. An ecosystem that fosters innovation, strengthen value chains, enhance rural productivity, and ultimately contribute to the reduction of poverty.

?The objectives of the trade fair

Over 60 exhibitors from several categories (crop and livestock production, processing of local products, agricultural and non-agricultural services) are participating in this first edition. The objectives of this fair are to:

• Promote and sell the products of microentrepreneurs supported by the initiative, helping them generate income, acquire new customers, and build valuable connections with customers and potential partners for sustainable development beyond the period of the initiative.
• Highlight the achievements and effects of the initiative through testimonies and stories of impacts.
• Contribute to generating interest and potential partnerships from local actors including businesses, NGOs, and the state that can be engaged in future initiatives aimed at developing the rural entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Contribute to maintaining the momentum and visibility of rural entrepreneurship, which can inspire new entrepreneurs and partners even after the initiative ends.

The main articulations of FAPSA

Numerous activities have been arranged for this occasion, including but not limited to exhibitions and sales, information workshops, diverse activities, and particularly networking activities. As a matter of fact, beyond the primary objective of appreciating the outcomes, it is imperative to facilitate the interaction of entrepreneurs from the two regions, allowing them to exchange and share experiences pertaining to the assistance they have received within the framework of the IDH project. This occasion is therefore a blessing for these rural entrepreneurs, who will be able to leverage the participation of the various stakeholders for potential business prospects.

?At the event, we will see the presence of traditional and administrative authorities of the two provinces, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and local development associations, as well as partners who support us in the implementation of this initiative.? We cordially invite the public and those involved in income-generating activities to participate in this event, which we firmly believe will be a significant celebration of rural entrepreneurship and a source of opportunities for all.