Post on 08-Aug-2020
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 1
FARMER ENTREPRENEURSHIP
FOR FOOD & BUSINESS
ANNUAL PLAN 2013
Public version
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 2
Agri-ProFocus
Contact Information Postal address P.O. Box 108 6800 AC Arnhem The Netherlands
Visiting address Willemsplein 43-II 6811 KD Arnhem The Netherlands Telephone
+31 (0)26 354 2074 E-mail
info@agri-profocus.nl Website
www.agri-profocus.nl apf-benin.ning.com apf-burundi.ning.com apf-ethiopia.ning.com apf-kenia.ning.com apf-mali.ning.com
apf-mozambique.ning.com apf-niger.ning.com apf-rdcongo.ning.com
apf-rwanda.ning.com apf-tanzania.ning.com apf-uganda.ning.com apf-zambia.ning.com apf-down2earth.ning.com
apf-finance.ning.com apf-genderinvaluechains.ning.com apf-producers.ning.com
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. The why, the what and the how, 2013 - 2016 ................................................. 5 1.1 The Why! .................................................................................................... 5 1.2 The What! ................................................................................................... 5 1.3 The How! .................................................................................................... 5 2. 2013, setting the stage ................................................................................ 7 2.1 Network development and coordination .......................................................... 7 2.2 Business and partnership brokering ............................................................... 9 2.3 From knowledge agenda to innovation communities and debate and learning ..... 10 3. Planning, monitoring & evaluation ................................................................ 16 4. Management partnership & network ............................................................. 17 4.1 Financial management ................................................................................ 17 Annex 1: General Budget ..................................................................................... 19 Annex 2: Members of the Core Group, Participants’ Council, Board and support office
team ............................................................................................................... 21
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 4
ABBREVIATIONS
B2B Business to Business
BBO Bureau for Policy Influencing of Development Cooperation
CBI Centre for the Promotion of Import from Developing Countries
DDE Department for Sustainable Economic Development
DG Directorate-General
DGIS Directorate-General International Cooperation
FDOV Facility for Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Food Security
FDW Fund Sustainable Water
ISSD Integrated Seed Sector Development Programme
KIT Royal Tropical Institute
MoFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs
MSP Multi-sided platform
MVO Corporate Social Responsibility
NABC Netherlands-African Business Council
NCH Dutch Centre for Trade Promotion
NWO Dutch Organisation for Scientific Research
PPP Public-Private Partnership
PR Participants’ Council
PSD Private Sector Development
Q&A Questions and Answers
SANEC Southern African - Netherlands Chamber of Commerce
SME Small-Medium Enterprise
VHL Van Hall Larenstein
WUR Wageningen University and Research
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 5
Focus on Farmer Entrepreneurship for Food security
1. THE WHY, THE WHAT AND THE HOW, 2013 - 2016
1.1 The Why! Farmers worldwide are by far the major primary investors in agriculture and as such they
are critical to improving food and nutrition security for 9 billion people in 2050 and in
reducing rural poverty. That is why the Agri-ProFocus Dutch partnership and the Agri-
ProFocus international network support farmers who have the ambition and
entrepreneurial capacities to make their resources and social capital more productive and
sustainable. The mission of Agri-ProFocus is to create spaces and opportunities
for multi–stakeholder action as well as for learning to enhance sustainable
entrepreneurship among organised farmers. Three interacting groups form the
network: Dutch partnership member organisations, Agri-Hub member organisations and
individually connected professionals. The day-to-day running of the partnership and
network is assured by locally-steered Agri-Hub support teams and an overall support
team in the Netherlands. The products and services of Agri-ProFocus including the Agri-
Hubs are shared assets, from and for contributing partnership and Agri-Hub members.
1.2 The What! Agri-ProFocus has defined three focal
areas for the upcoming period:
Supporting organised farmers, Fostering
the farmer entrepreneurship support
system and Developing national and
regional markets. Two themes cut across
the above-mentioned focal areas:
Inclusiveness of services delivered and
Balancing economic growth and
sustainability.
Thematically, these focal areas can be be
categorised as follows:
Farmers as partners in agri-business
Activities that deal with farmer organisations and farmers and their business relations
(firm-farm relations).
Sustainable production
Includes activities on: food security, natural resource management, land and water
rights, inputs and technology. There is room for focus on specific commodities (potato,
oilseed, dairy, onion, etc.)
Market development and Linkages
Any topic dealing with: agri-business development services, market information, regional
trade, agro-logistics, business brokering, training and entrepreneurship, business climate
and specifically financial services.
Inclusiveness
The activities focus mainly on gender and generation (youth) in agriculture.
1.3 The How! Agri-ProFocus’ cooperation modalities and services are developed and offered in both the
Agri-Hubs and in the Netherlands. Experience shows that the networks’ current
knowledge dissemination, business/ partnership brokering and advocacy functions work
best if one level feeds the other (and vice versa) in a coordinated way.
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 6
Agri-ProFocus can best be defined as
a multi-sided network. An
organisation that creates value
primarily by enabling direct
interactions between two (or more)
distinct types of affiliated customers
is called a multi-sided platform
(MSP).
The Agri-ProFocus method consists
of sharing knowledge and co-
creation. Our results, which we call
‘market triggers’, are effectively
aimed at improving the support
system for farmer entrepreneurship.
Those improvements we call the ‘market uptake’; in other words, “How is the market of
stakeholders responding?” and “Have the results of the network actually been put to
good use?” This can be measured in terms of business deals, innovation and policy
changes. Further down the line, the improved support system should contribute to strong
farmer entrepreneurs who are able to make better informed choices for farming as a
business.
Within its direct sphere of control ‘knowledge sharing & co-creation’, Agri-ProFocus,
within its four years’ Strategic Plan, formulated four intervention modalities:
Four intervention modalities
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 7
2. 2013, SETTING THE STAGE
2.1 Network development and coordination 2013 is the year to set a solid stage and a strong reference point for the four years of our
Strategic Plan, 2013-2016. The renewed commitment of the Dutch members to the
partnership forms a strong backbone. The Agri-ProFocus partnership counts 33 members
at present. Signing up to the partnership agreement in the first place means a
commitment to the mission and reciprocal delivery of resources, information and
knowledge; this is in order to develop and strengthen the totality of the network assets.
For the Dutch partnership, increasing membership numbers as such is not a target.
However, the quality of the membership is. Based on experience, we therefore encourage
interested parties to participate in a number of activities and Agri-Hubs, before they
apply for membership.
Private sector companies regularly approach the support team and especially the Agri-
Hubs for information and ad-hoc advice and in the Agri-Hubs involvement and
participation of local SMEs is steadily growing. Through business and partnership
interventions, we expect to get more leverage amongst the national and Dutch private
sector in de Agri & Food sector. Concrete opportunities from the Agri-Hubs will provide
the foundation for building stronger relations with other private sector networks and
organisations such as SANEC, NL Agency, Partos MKB Desk, NABC, NCH, the Base of the
Pyramid Inc., and the top-sectors ‘Agri&Food’ and ‘Horticulture and Propagation
Materials’. In conclusion, the key word for private sector involvement is ‘collaborative
action’ on an activity- and partnership-base, rather than on a membership-base.
There is an identified need from Dutch partnership professionals to strengthen the
interaction, other than through the bi-annual PR (Participants’ Council) meetings and the
more general modalities of the bi-monthly newsletter, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
It is expected that the coordination and network development in the Netherlands will
result in the recognition of Agri-ProFocus, at the end of 2016, as the Dutch Platform for
Farmer Entrepreneurship and Food Security. In 2013, the following concrete steps will be
taken:
Reconfirmation of financial and moral commitment from current partnership members
to the Agri-ProFocus vision, mission and ToC; 2 additional members in 2013;
Close cooperation with DGIS/DDE and EZ around their Food Security Policy
Framework;
Increasing private sector involvement (engagement by Dutch agri-business
companies, link to private sector umbrellas) and active linking of partnership and
network potential through online portals;
Increasing individual membership in the Netherlands in terms of free participation on
the online platforms and in expert meetings (on invitation).
New activities defined so far include:
Organising two-monthly “Burning food & business issues” network meetings for
members and enterprises working on food security issues;
Revitalising bilateral annual account management sessions with PR members;
Facilitating efficient, division of task and information sharing of outcomes regarding
relevant seminars, meetings, political moments etc. Anchor point through the policy
group and knowledge institutions. Closed Yammer or LinkedIn groups will facilitate
the interaction;
In 2013, a minimum of 4 expert meetings will be held, based on member demand;
Over the course of 2013, the options of integrating our website and the online
communities will be explored and developed further into a realistic project.
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 8
Over the past two years, the Agri-ProFocus network has expanded from 7 to 12 Agri-
Hubs. So within three years the number of Agri-Hubs will have doubled. The current 12
operational Agri-Hubs are in different phases of development. We distinguish start-ups,
medium and mature Agri-Hubs. Each Agri-Hub is steered by a local team, administered
by the lead organisation and coached/ supported by a network facilitator from the
Arnhem support office. The maximum number of Agri-Hubs foreseen in 2016 is 16.
Lead per country + no. of professionals
Country Lead Number of professionals*
Benin SNV 420
Burundi ICCO 129
Ethiopia ICCO/ Fair & Sustainable 523
Indonesia Hivos n.a.
Kenya SNV 790
Mali ICCO/ Fair & Sustainable 215
Mozambique SNV 228
Niger Oxfam Novib 149
RD Congo ICCO 104
Rwanda ICCO 358
Tanzania SNV 176
Uganda SNV 1644
Zambia SNV 238
In 2013, one additional Agri-Hub – probably Indonesia – will be launched. The inception
has started in 2012 and it is expected that this Hub will be launched in May. We do note
that inception of new Agri-Hubs is always on demand by a sufficient number of members
willing to put up resources. Identification for another start-up in 2014 is planned for the
second half of 2013.
Priorities across all Agri-Hubs in 2013, as defined in the country Annual Plans, include:
Growing Agri-Hub network membership in quantity and quality for all stakeholder
groups, particularly activating the private sector (local and international companies,
producer organisations and farmers);
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 9
Cooperating with local Dutch Embassies on their Food Security Policy Framework and
promotion of Dutch business linkages;
Strengthening regional clusters of members to facilitate outreach to and expand
membership of (organised) farmers and agri-businesses across the country;
Increasing resource-sharing for activities by local members, as well as continued
commitment of Dutch members;
Consolidating local governance through steering committees and member
subscription to a Code of Conduct;
Adequate monitoring and evaluation of network progress by appreciation surveys
(yearly) and on-going tracking and collecting of quotes and deals made.
To facilitate the growth in numbers and
coordination dynamics, the support of Agri-
ProFocus Office in Arnhem acts as a
sparring partner. This with particular
attention to getting the basics right:
facilitating the Agri-Hubs in getting the
local networks organised in terms of their
governance, the furnishing of online
platforms and the agreement upon and
implementation of the procedures for
planning, monitoring and evaluation.
In the upcoming period, attention will be
on activities, tools and products that can
make the Agri-Hubs work together
effectively and efficiently. In 2013, we will start with training Agri-Hub staff in online
platform moderation and effective network facilitation. Furthermore, there will be the
annual Core Group Meeting for all Agri-Hubs.
2.2 Business and partnership brokering More and better support to
entrepreneurial farmers is at the heart
of Agri-ProFocus. With the Agri-Hubs
maturing into networks that are
attractive for different types and levels
of agri-business, there is both a need
and demand for up-to-date market
intelligence and brokering, to foster a
pre-competitive environment for deal-
making.
In 2013, Agri-ProFocus will develop
specialised face-to-face and online
services. This needs to result in more
effective business linkages between
organised farmers on one side and firms, banks and traders along the chain on the other
side. This can include the local private sector as well as Dutch traders and investors. In
2013, Agri-ProFocus will develop the following capacities, services and products to
deliver:
Market Intelligence on Food & Business
The support office will systematically provide the Agri-Hubs with information on the
availability of Dutch Private Sector Development instruments that are available (e.g.
Match-Making Facility, CBI Export Coaching programmes, PUM advisory services)
The support office will assist Dutch members to systematically articulate their offer
and demand within the network. Dutch members can share this information on online
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 10
platforms, in Agri-ProFocus newsletters and on the Agri-ProFocus website, as well as
during joint events in the Netherlands and abroad;
All Agri-Hubs will develop online directories of agri-businesses. These will function as
‘Yellow Pages’ – a virtual who-is-who. This will be complemented by further
developing the online market places for offers and demands.
Each Agri-Hub will develop its capacity to offer – both pro-actively and on demand –
quick-scans into promising sectors by using the collective intelligence of the network.
Business & partnership brokering
Sustainable Match: Agri-ProFocus partners with MVO Nederland, Oxfam Novib and
BBO to develop a methodology for realising sustainable matchmaking between
entrepreneurs (small & medium) in developing countries and the Netherlands. This
will result in two Dutch SMEs missions in the first semester (Bangladesh and Uganda)
and possibly a third to another Agri-Hub in the second semester. Facilitation of partnership development among (Dutch) members, based on
opportunities arising (example PPP Facility Food Security (FDOV) in 2012 where Agri-
ProFocus supported several initiatives in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania) Developing the Q&A function for deals and partnerships for the whole network (50–80
annually at Netherlands level, 25 – 100 through each Agri-Hub).
Business brokering activities in each Agri-Hub can be found in each annual Agri-Hub
plan and will include B2B cocktails, as well as dissemination events for investment
opportunities.
Roll-out of the “Agri-business finance fair” concept (farmers meet banks) and tools
will be continued and extended to include also other business interactions (traders,
buyers, service providers).
In 2012 the Agri-Hub Ethiopia brokered a Food Security and Rural Entrepreneurship
Fund through the Dutch Embassy. This Fund, which is to be administered through
ICCO, will use the Agri-Hub to develop a pipeline for propositions. In 2013, a similar
Fund is to be developed with the Dutch Embassy in Rwanda.
2.3 From knowledge agenda to innovation communities and debate and learning
The development from organisational support (facilitation of multi-stakeholder
workshops) to a jointly formulated knowledge agenda with the Dutch knowledge partners
has been part of the previous strategic period. Over time, the Agri-Hubs have developed
into larger and more active networks. With this maturation, a need arose for a different
form of support by knowledge professionals, which led to the formulation of a cross-
country knowledge agenda. At the basis of this were emerging issues identified across
the Agri-Hubs. Five major cross-country themes were selected, as depicted below, with
‘monitoring and evaluation’ as a supporting theme.
The focus in this Annual Plan is on smart connections: between knowledge programmes
of all member organisations, and the interests and knowledge demands of the Agri-Hubs.
These are shaped in so-called innovation communities and platforms for debate and
learning. With the innovation communities, Agri-ProFocus offers an organising principle,
with a focus on specific topics, a long-term vision on improvement and change.
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 11
With this focus, Agri-ProFocus aims to:
Bring existing knowledge and research results to the (professionals working with)
farmers so that it will be used to increase their production and income;
Improve the process of how farmers communicate with knowledge partners in order
to induce research activities with high practical value (improving the learning cycle);
Thus, increasing the impact of existing knowledge programmes of partner
organisations, both within and outside the Agri-Hubs.
To do so, in 2013 Agri-ProFocus will start to:
Form a pool of professionals of Dutch knowledge and education institutes who are
committed to the network;
Get these professionals to act as sparring partners in our innovation communities to
lift ‘the debate’ to a higher plan (induce knowledge questions and possible research
activities);
Offer the services of our knowledge partners to the Agri-Hub networks in a
transparent way and offer opportunities for agri-professionals to articulate their
knowledge questions (market development for knowledge);
Involve local knowledge institutes in the innovation and learning communities of the
Agri-Hubs;
Attract (new) funding sources for joint knowledge programmes.
Last but not least, the Food & Business Knowledge Forum, initiated by MoFA and
functional by mid-2013, will offer a unique opportunity for Agri-ProFocus. Connected to
this forum are the WOTRO-managed Applied Research Fund and the Global Challenge
Programme for Food & Business. A secretariat will be appointed to facilitate the intended
communities of practice. Agri-ProFocus, with its multi-sided platform concept, its capacity
and enormous network, is well positioned to take up this function. In any case, Agri-
ProFocus will be actively involved in the forum to:
Connect network practitioners;
Identify burning issues through the Agri-Hubs and facilitate research and
practitioners’ coalitions around these issues.
Innovation communities Agri-ProFocus fosters the development of strong communities of practice, particularly
around identified key thematic areas. These communities are to expand across Agri-Hub
countries and in the Netherlands as far as possible. Agri-ProFocus will facilitate and build
the capacity of members to take lead positions in these communities.
Innovation Communities want to improve the functioning of agricultural value
chains by promoting certain innovations or improvements in either
1. Agricultural value chains, chain actors and their relations
2. Support systems and actors for agricultural value chains
3. Context and environment of agricultural value chains
In an innovation community, partners are working together on a joint problem (or
opportunity!) to come to innovative solutions which lead to an improved
development practice. The problem is an essential issue for farmer
entrepreneurship.
Innovation: an invention put to use.
Community: professionals connected to resolve a particular issue.
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 12
Based on the Annual Plans of the Agri-Hubs for
2013, interesting topics and activities came up
which have the ambition and the opportunity to
become cross-country innovation communities.
This would be the case when either:
1. The topic is put forward by several Agri-
Hubs, or
2. There is a good basis from the
Knowledge Agenda which we want to
develop further, or
3. It is a hot topic in the international
debate.
These are so far:1
Innovation Community Agri-Hub countries
Farmers as partners in agri-business
Farm-firm relations (1,2)
Benin, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali,
Niger, Rwanda, Uganda
Sustainable production
Dairy value chain (2)
Potato value chain (2)
Inputs and technology (seed,
others…) (2)
Kenya, Uganda, Niger
Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Niger,
Uganda
Burundi, Congo, Ethiopia, Mali, Niger,
Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda
Market development and Linkages
Agri-business development services
(1,2)
Access to finance (1,2)
Regional markets and trade (3)
Benin, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Niger,
Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia
All Agri-Hubs
All Agri-Hubs
Inclusiveness
Gender in value chains (1,2)
Young farmer entrepreneurs (2)
Benin, Burundi, Congo, Ethiopia,
Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Niger,
Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda
Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
It is essential to connect and strengthen the demands identified to on-going and/ or
planned knowledge and research programmes of Agri-ProFocus members. As in the past
we need dedicated lead professionals to team up with the Agri-ProFocus support team
innovation topic leader. For each community, process steps will be defined in the first
quarter of 2013 in close collaboration with the Agri-Hubs and the topic co-leader from a
member organisation adopting the topic.
On the other hand, existing and planned knowledge and research initiatives of members
outside the above scope can be scaled up and reinforced by connecting them through the
broader Agri-ProFocus network. This was done for instance in the case of the ISSD
programme of WUR/CDI and in several FDOV proposals (Rumptstad, RijkZwaan/Hivos,
WUR). This is an on-going process that requires members to consider the shared asset of
the Agri-Hubs and the Agri-ProFocus support team.
1 The numbers behind each innovation community refer to the three reasons mentioned above.
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 13
Platform for debate Looking at history, at moments when it was opportune, the partnership has been able to
have a voice in policy documents (e.g. Koenders, Verburg, Food Security Support
Programme, Knowledge Forum Food & Business). There is an opportunity now to further
develop this role.
As a platform for debate the Dutch partnership intends to influence policy in two ways:
a. Agri-ProFocus acts as a platform for policy influence for its Dutch members, in the
field of food security and sustainable food production.
b. Agri-ProFocus’ experiences with Agri-Hubs are taken into account in the
implementation of the Dutch agricultural development policy.
In the Netherlands, an Agri-ProFocus Policy Group Food Security has been established in
2012. Its secretariat falls under the Director, who is technically supported and updated
by BBO. The group meets about six times a year and acts together on emerging policy
issues. This group is open for members to join and/or they can be agenda members
and/or updated upon request.
In 2013, this policy group in the Netherlands will focus on:
delivering input for the revolving fund modalities;
the food & business chapter of the policy brief of MoFA;
global food waste;
regional and national market policies;
the instruments of the Food & Business Knowledge Forum;
FDOV procedure feedback;
other issues brought forward by actuality and/or members’ demand.
Through members, the link with the European development cooperation policies will be
high on the agenda.
From a community facilitation perspective and in times of scarcity of human resources in
the sector, the added value of Agri-ProFocus is in the smooth and timely transfer of
information. In 2013, the policy group will develop a shared representation and reporting
system. Participants can volunteer to share their information and insights, gathered from
relevant platforms, meetings and committees attended. This will result in a two- monthly
Food & Business Update Flash for and by members only and facilitated by Agri-ProFocus.
Several Agri-Hubs also have policy groups and issues related to farmer entrepreneurship
development and food security are discussed regularly face-to-face or online. In 2013,
Agri-Hubs will:
Support local members to carry out
joint policy research to support the
review, analysis and translation of
policies into understandable materials
and specific situations for farmers;
Facilitate members to co-organise
dialogue platforms for farmers, policy-
makers and other relevant
stakeholders.
The experience so far is that it is not easy
to develop a match between opportune
issues in the Agri-Hubs and the content of the policy debate in the Netherlands. At the
same time, there is a growing concern that local issues and voices are not sufficiently
‘heard’ in the Netherlands. While the online Agri-Hub platforms potentially are a source of
many voices and opinions, just launching discussions is not enough. In 2013, Agri-
ProFocus will look into an attractive an appropriate way of moderating this policy
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 14
interaction more systematically. It is expected that the planned knowledge forum and
attached instruments such as the secretariat and the applied research modalities will give
an enormous boost to this challenge.
The Agri-ProFocus Director will continue to participate in the steering group of the Food
and Business Forum and the PSD (Private Sector Development) platform. She will also
maintain close links with the top-sectors “Agro&Food” and “Horticulture and Propagation
Materials”. In addition, Dutch policymakers and MPs will be asked to participate in events
and meetings, organised by Agri-ProFocus.
Platform for learning
Agri-ProFocus and the Agri-Hubs in their totality function as a platform for learning. Open
data, free and efficient flow of information and knowledge are our trademarks. More
specifically, results from the innovation communities, the partnership brokering or
burning issues from the policy groups can be shared and communicated in open expert
meetings. Furthermore, members are encouraged to suggest relevant topics and take the
lead in co-organising learning trajectories and expert meetings.
Last year’s evaluation learned that the Dutch constituency is requesting Agri-ProFocus to
co-organise topic-focused expert meetings. It has become common practice in our sector
to ask practitioners in the field to provide input for action research, publications and high
level meetings. However, feedback on the results and outcomes is rarely given at country
or regional level. The 2012 cross-country knowledge agenda was already a good example
of a more reciprocal approach. In
2013, each Agri-Hub has planned a
number of expert meetings and
maintains enough flexibility to respond
to members’ demand, policy groups,
innovation communities and
partnership brokering trajectories.
Specifically for the applied universities
in the Agri-ProFocus network, the
learning platform is a unique
opportunity. The universities are often
looking to arrange thesis and
internship positions for their students,
as well as shorter-term assignments and case studies. The opportunity to attend Agri-
ProFocus expert meetings is also highly appreciated by their students, as is the practice
of using Agri-ProFocus/ member publications in their curricula. In addition, it is quite
likely that once back home, international alumni will remain involved and active in the
Agri-Hubs.
As a pilot in 2012, ten Van Hall Larenstein students successfully centred their theses
around the farm-firm trajectory, including practical country-based research work. In
2013, we want to professionalise and extend this service to all applied university
members. An efficient and timely way of bringing offer and demand together will be
crucial. The applied universities are also eager to use the Agri-ProFocus publications and
those of network partners in their curricula, as they are reflecting the reality of today.
Most knowledge members are competing in NUFFIC tenders and NWO-type applied and
fundamental research calls. However, all emphasise that they could benefit from sharing
intermediary and final project and programme results. They share a challenge: How to
go from knowledge to skilled farmers. In 2013, the start of a coalition “Knowledge for
skills development” is planned within the network, beginning with an expert meeting in
the Netherlands.
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 15
The long list of topics identified for expert meetings in the Netherlands consists of:
Farm – Firm relations (WUR, KIT, VHL)
From knowledge to skilled farmers (ICRA, MDF)
How to connect smallholders to the growing demand of the dairy industry (DG-
Agro, WUR, Agriterra, Heifer)
Intensified agriculture without scaling (Hivos, Oxfam Novib, KIT)
Role of financial institutions in innovations – access to capital (KIT)
Agricultural extension anno 2013 (KIT)
Local Food systems (regional/ domestic markets) (ETC, DDE)
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 16
3. PLANNING, MONITORING & EVALUATION
As part of the strategic planning process, 2012 has seen an intense exercise of
appreciating, validating and planning for results. The Agri-ProFocus Theory of Change
has been further developed to make it more communicable and clear what we deliver.
This Annual Plan is an expression of that.
While we are good at planning and monitoring our direct results in the first circle, the
proof of the pudding is in the market uptake. Are the results of the network being put to
good use? And further down the line – are we making a difference (for farmer
entrepreneurs)?
In 2013, the first two levels of M&E (Market Trigger and Market Uptake) will receive
systematic attention as follows:
On-going collection of results by monitoring event uptake and use and feedback of
online marketplace/platforms;
Quarterly and annual reporting (financial and narrative) per Agri-Hub, based on a
standardised format and financial management system;
Standardised annual member appreciation survey methodology among Agri-Hubs;
Developing approach for outcome assessment through client surveys;
Experiment with farmer panelling, using video, internet/mobile technology and face-
to-face interviews.
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 17
4. MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP & NETWORK
4.1 Financial management The total 2013 budget for the Agri-ProFocus network amounts to € 3.790.474 of which €
976.537 for the partnership activities and € 2.813.937 for the Agri-Hubs and cross-country
activities. The requested subsidy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 2013 is €
2.482.474. Revenues from members for the Dutch partnership will add up to at least €
205.000.
For the Agri-Hubs at the start of 2013, total confirmed contributions from members and
local partners already add up to € 765.600. Anticipated matching from the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs amounts to € 1.007.000. In the first quarter of 2013, negotiations for
The Agri-ProFocus Participants’ Council
All partnership members have a vote/seat in the Participants’ Council and preferably assign a member of their management team to this function. Participants’ Council members have the task of operating as linking pins and are strong Agri-ProFocus ambassadors both in their respective organisations and externally. The Participants’ Council meets twice a year, elects the Board and advises the Board on member applications, programming, planning and all relevant developments.
The Agri-ProFocus Board A total of 7 Board members are elected for a maximum of 2 x 3 year-periods. Partnership members can propose candidates from their Board of Directors. Agri-ProFocus has an independent Chair who is also elected for 2 periods of 3 years. In addition, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economic Affairs participate in Board meetings as observers. Main criterion for the Board functions is a good mix of actor groups and Agri-Hub lead organisations. Board members are called upon as Agri-ProFocus ambassadors within their own
organisations and towards external contacts. The Agri-ProFocus support office A small and dedicated professional support office, consisting of a team of network facilitators, with competencies in agriculture, economics, process management and communication.
The Agri-Hub Core Group The Core Group consists of Agri-Hub coordinators, the Agri-ProFocus support team, lead organisation representatives and lead thematic innovation groups representatives. The Core Group meets face-to-face once a year to exchange experiences, to evaluate and to discuss strategic Agri-Hub management proposals.
The Agri-Hub lead organisation
Each Agri-Hub has been adopted by a so-called ‘lead organisation’, which takes full responsibility for the local institutional embedding of the Agri-Hub initiative. This includes taking charge of the administrative procedures and housing of the Agri-Hub coordinator and his or her team. Costs are covered by the general Agri-Hub budget and therefore shared by all those participating.
The Agri-Hub coordination team Each Agri-Hub has an Agri-Hub coordinator with one or two (part-time) staff members. As the Agri-Hubs are becoming increasingly professionalised, there is more need for procedures and rules as far as financial administration and management of activities is concerned.
The Agri-Hub advisory/steering committee This committee is composed of active Agri-Hub members who have taken up the lead for an Agri-Hub programme/activity. The committee advises the Agri-Hub coordinator and the assigned network facilitator (from the support office) on programmatic financial and management issues. Agri-ProFocus innovation, debate and learning communities These refer to specific knowledge and action groups, both in-country and across the network.
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 18
securing this amount will take place at Agri-Hub level. With the Dutch embassies,
negotiations for activity- & service-based contributions are also underway. Unfortunately,
the 50% - 50% arrangement with knowledge institutes (KIT, WUR) will be discontinued
as their core subsidy will not be prolonged. However, they will further contribute by
offering a considerable discount in consultancy and other requests from the partnership
and Agri-Hubs.
Starting in 2013, new financing models for the Agri-Hubs are being explored. Agri-
ProFocus is a shared asset, delivering services to its members and contributors. Agri-
ProFocus will not participate in tender procedures as a signing partner. However,
members are encouraged and advised to include the shared asset of the Agri-Hubs in the
project proposal and allocate the necessary budget accordingly.
The context in which the Agri-Hubs operate has changed, since the start of the first
initiatives in early 2009.
Over the past years, the Agri-Hubs have become bigger and more complex networks.
This has a number of consequences and features:
There is an increase in money flows surrounding the Agri-Hubs;
There are other sources of financing;
The Agri-Hubs have increasing responsibilities, looking at the number of staff involved
and the investments made in terms of activities.
This requires solid financial management:
For Agri-ProFocus to be accountable for the money flows around the Agri-Hubs;
To create financial transparency between the partners that are active in the Agri-Hub
and external sponsors;
To harmonise our financial management activities in all Agri-Hubs.
Accountability is an increasingly important issue in the financial management of the Agri-
Hubs. The Agri-ProFocus support office plays a fundamental role in this process by
reporting to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGIS) and within the network to its
member organisations that are co-funding the activities.
Our individual member organisations, such as SNV, ICCO and Oxfam Novib, all have
excellent accounting systems. These systems all differ, however, and that is why we
have developed a uniform, simple but good, financial reporting tool for the Agri-Hubs, to
report back to the main donors of the Agri-Hubs. This tool is backed up by the accounting
systems in place at our members, and based upon the Finovion bookkeeping system that
is used at the Agri-ProFocus support office.
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 19
ANNEX 1: GENERAL BUDGET
2013
Partnership
A. Personnel 531.737
B. General costs 79.800
C. Activity costs 365.000
Total Partnership 976.537
Estimated receipts
Membership fee (€3.000) 100.000
Extra contributions members 105.000
Interest 3.000
Funding DGIS/DDE 768.537
Total receipts 976.537
Agri-Hubs 2013
Personnel 288.937
Activity costs 325.000
Agri-Hub coordination & implementation 2.200.000
Total Agri-Hubs 2.813.937
Estimated receipts
Funding DGIS/DDE 1.713.937
Investments Agri-Hub members 1.100.000
Total receipts 2.813.937
Grand Total 3.790.474
Grand Total Funding DGIS/DDE 2.482.474
Grand Total Funding members 1.305.000
Interest 3.000
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 20
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 21
ANNEX 2: MEMBERS OF THE CORE GROUP,
PARTICIPANTS’ COUNCIL, BOARD AND SUPPORT OFFICE TEAM Agri-ProFocus Core Group (January 2013)
Country Name Organisation
Benin
Network facilitator Jan Willem Eggink Agri-ProFocus
Agri-Hub coordinator Marcel Djihoun SNV
Agri-Hub assistant Moussabihatou Saloufou SNV
Burundi
Network facilitator Jan Willem Eggink Agri-ProFocus
Agri-Hub coordinator Christophe Bizimungu ICCO
Agri-Hub assistant Pascal Murasira ICCO
Ethiopia
Network facilitator Wim Goris Agri-ProFocus
Agri-Hub coordinator Gerrit Holtland ICCO/ Fair & Sustainable
Agri-Hub assistant Amarech Haile Berehe ICCO/ Fair & Sustainable
Indonesia
Network facilitator vacant
Kenya
Network facilitator Marjolein de Bruin Agri-ProFocus
Agri-Hub coordinator Tito Arunga SNV
Agri-Hub assistant Amos Thiongo SNV
Mali
Network facilitator Marjolein de Bruin Agri-ProFocus
Agri-Hub coordinator Mamadou Diarrah ICCO
Agri-Hub assistant Victor van der Linden ICCO/ Fair & Sustainable
Mozambique
Network facilitator Wim Goris Agri-ProFocus
Agri-Hub coordinator Cintia Portraite SNV
Agri-Hub assistant Leonardo Buchili SNV
Niger
Network facilitator Marjolein de Bruin Agri-ProFocus
Agri-Hub coordinator Rakiatou Gazibo Oxfam Novib
Agri-Hub assistant Ibrahim Oumarou Hamidou Oxfam Novib
RD Congo
Network facilitator Jan Willem Eggink Agri-ProFocus
Agri-Hub coordinator Emmanuel Bahati Cimanuka ICCO
Agri-Hub assistant Daniël Steinmann ICCO
Rwanda
Network facilitator Jan Willem Eggink Agri-ProFocus
Agri-Hub coordinator Espérance Mukarugwiza ICCO
Agri-Hub assistant Pascal Murasira ICCO
Tanzania
Network facilitator Wim Goris Agri-ProFocus
Agri-Hub coordinator Apollo Muyanja Mbazzira SNV
Agri-Hub assistant Katarina Mungure SNV
Uganda
Network facilitator Inger Janssen Agri-ProFocus
Agri-Hub coordinator Marieke van Schie SNV
Agri-Hub assistant Lucy Asiimwe SNV
Agri-Hub Agri-business linkage facilitator
Sylvia Natukunda SNV
Zambia
Network facilitator Christel Schiphorst Agri-ProFocus
Agri-Hub coordinator Claire van der Kleij SNV
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 22
Agri-ProFocus Participants’ Council (2013)
Name Member organisation
Klaas Steur Aeres Group
Sylvia van Buchem Agentschap NL
Kees Blokland Agriterra
Nathalie van Haren Both ENDS
Patrick Gouka CBI
Roldan Muradian CIDIN
Edith Boekraad Cordaid
Jos Dusseljee ETC Foundation
Toon Keijsers HAS Den Bosch
Rian Fokker Heifer Nederland
Paul Kemp Heineken International
Carol Gribnau Hivos
Evelijne Bruning The Hunger Project
Jeroen de Vries ICCO
Richard Hawkins ICRA
Rob Groot IFDC
Caroline Figuères IICD
Edith van Walsum ILEIA
Bertus Wennink KIT
Marcel Vernooij Ministry of Economic Affairs
Aaltje de Roos Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ingrid Plag MDF
Kees van den Burg Oikocredit
Sabina Voogd Oxfam Novib
Alex Meerkerk PUM
Pierre van Hedel Rabobank Foundation
Heleen Bos RijkZwaan
Lucas Simons SCOPEinsight
Eelco Baan SNV
Aart van den Bos Soil & More
Jan Maarten Dros Solidaridad
Denise Lapoutre TASTE
Robert Baars Van Hall Larenstein
Jennie van der Mheen Wageningen UR
Jos Bijman Wageningen UR
Maarten van Middelkoop Woord en Daad
Leendert Bos ZOA
Agri-ProFocus Board (2013)
Name Position
Kees Wantenaar Independent chair
Willemijn Lammers (ICCO) Secretary, Vice Chair
Thijs van Praag (PUM) Treasurer
Bart de Steenhuijsen Piters (KIT) Member
Lucas Simons (SCOPEinsight) Member
Caroline Figuères (IICD) Member
Vacant position Member
Aaltje de Roos (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Observer
Marcel Vernooij (Ministry of Economic Affairs) Observer
Agri-ProFocus Annual Plan 2013 23
Agri-ProFocus support office team (2013)
Name Position
Hedwig Bruggeman Director
Roel Snelder Programme Manager Agri-Hubs
Wim Goris Network facilitator Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania/ Innovation community leader Dairy, Seed
Jan Willem Eggink Network facilitator Benin, Burundi, RD Congo, Rwanda/ Innovation community leader Potatoes, Network development
Marjolein de Bruin Network facilitator Kenya, Mali, Niger/
Innovation community leader Inputs & technology, Students
Inger Janssen Network facilitator Uganda/ Innovation community leader Farm-firm relationships
Christel Schiphorst Support Facilitator Agri-Hubs
Marja Hennemann Management Assistant
Vera Hendriks Communication Assistant
Agri-ProFocus Partnership
www.agri-profocus.nl
http://apf-benin.ning.com/, http://apf-burundi.ning.com, http://apf-ethiopia.ning.com/, http://apf-kenya.ning.com/, http://apf-mali.ning.com/, http://apf-mozambique.ning.com/, http://apf-
niger.ning.com/, http://apf-rdcongo.ning.com/, http://apf-rwanda.ning.com/, http://www.tanzania.ning.com/, http://apf-uganda.ning.com/, http://apf-zambia.ning.com/, http://apf-finance.ning.com/, http://genderinvaluechains.ning.com/, http://apf-down2earth.ning.com/, http://apf-
producers.ning.com
Members:
www.aeresinternational.nl www.agriterra.org www.bothends.org www.cbi.eu www.ru.nl/cidin
www.cordaid.nl www.etc-international.org www.hasinternational.nl www.heifer.nl www.heineken.com
www.hivos.nl www.thehungerproject.nl www.icco.nl www.icra-edu.nl www.ifdc.org
www.iicd.org www.ileia.org www.kit.nl www.mdf.nl www.oikocredit.org
www.oxfamnovib.nl www.pum.nl www.rabobankfoundation.nl www.rijkzwaan.com www.scopeinsight.com
www.snvworld.nl www.soilandmore.nl www.solidaridad.nl www.fairtaste.nl www.vanhall-larenstein.nl
www.wur.nl www.woordendaad.nl www.zoa-international.com
Supported by:
www.minbuza.nl www.rijksoverheid.nl/ministeries/ez www.agentschapnl.nl