Stocktake of IFAD value chain projects in NEN Region

Dear Colleagues and Partners,

We are happy?to share with you a new publication titled: Stocktake of IFAD value chain projects in the Near East, North Africa, Europe and Central Asia region.

The document reviews IFAD-funded #Value Chain projects in the Near East, North Africa and Europe (NEN) region approved by the Executive Board between 2010 and 2021. It introduces the concepts of value chains, value chain development, private sector engagement and value chain financing in the context of IFAD projects, describes the quantitative and qualitative methods followed for the review, and details key lessons learned and recommendations. The report highlights issues and success factors in IFAD-implemented projects related to VC targeting approach, partnership building, meeting the beneficiaries’ needs in terms of financial resources and business/financial education. The main challenges identified are: lack of capacity in producer organizations (POs), flaws in project design (especially overambitious intentions and unverified assumptions), conflicts and fragility at country level.

The findings of the study and the recommendations provided could be applicable and of help for IFAD-funded projects not only in the NEN region, but also in the other regions. These findings could also be a learning source for other agricultural value chain development projects funded by international donors.

We hope you enjoy reading the publication and share it with all your counterparts.

#jessika kluth #silvia frattini