A Business Startup Center (BSC) Monrovia Report · 3 | P a g e 1. Abbreviations and Acronyms AIN...
Transcript of A Business Startup Center (BSC) Monrovia Report · 3 | P a g e 1. Abbreviations and Acronyms AIN...
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__________________________________________________________________
A Business Startup Center (BSC) Monrovia Report
_____________________________________________________________________________
Date: April 2018
www.ainliberia.org
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_____________________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents Page
1. Abbreviations .............................................................................................................. 3
2. Acknowledgments ..................................................................................................... 3
3. Project Description .................................................................................................. 4
4. Summaries of BSC’s Achievement During Reporting Period ........................... 5
5. Key Accomplishment in line with Deliverables within Scope of Work ........ 5
5.1 AIN Central Office (Monsterrado) ..................................................................... 5
5.2 Summaries of AIN Activities in the Counties ................................................... 6
5.2.1 Detailed of AIN Activities Implemented in Counties .................................. 8
6. Recommendation ........................................................................................................ 9
7. Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 10
8. Planned Activities – May 2018 ............................................................................... 10
9. Annex .......................................................................................................................... 12
9.1 AIN Periodic Meeting Report ........................................................................... 13
9.2 Bong County Activities ....................................................................................... 16
9.3 Nimba County Activities .................................................................................... 17
9.4 LADA Grantees Supported – Reporting Template ....................................... 18
9.5 Gallery .................................................................................................................... 19
9.6 Attendance ............................................................................................................. 19
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1. Abbreviations and Acronyms
AIN Agribusiness Investment Network
AIIC Agriculture Investment & Infrastructure Company
BSC Business Startup Center Monrovia
CNFA Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture
DEM Department for Economic Management
BCAA Bong County Aquaculture Association
FTF Feed the Future
IFC International Finance Corporation
LAN Lofa Agribusiness Network
LADA Liberia Agribusiness Development Activity
MOCI Ministry of Commerce & Industry
MOA Ministry of Agriculture
MFDP Ministry of Finance & Development Planning
NAN Nimba Agribusiness Network
NBDAC National Business Development & Advisory Council
NCSCC National Cassava Sector Coordination Committee
NCC National CODEX Committee
NFFUL National Fish Farmers Union of Liberia
NGO Non-Governmental Organizations
NIC National Investment Commission
NSL National Standard Laboratory
SADC Selma Agriculture Development Company
SME Small Medium Enterprises
USAID United States Agency for Intentional Development
WAVF West Africa Venture Fund
WB World Bank
2. Acknowledgements
The Business Startup Center (BSC) Monrovia appreciates the support provided by USAID –
CNFA/LADA Senior Management and Component Lead Teams for this opportunity given us to
help coordinate, implement and/or serve in support roles for the national Agribusiness
Investment Network as well as for Local Agribusiness Network in Bong, Nimba and Lofa
Counties. For the BSC, the establishment of this unique network referenced as the Agribusiness
Investment Network (AIN) is a great innovation platform for the BSC with primary objective to
help increase agricultural investment in Liberia. The BSC also acknowledged in a very special way
all agribusinesses, including Producers, Processors, Aggregators, Agro Dealers, etc. that have
shown interest in the network and have taken a step in joining the network to make the
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agriculture sector in Liberia vibrant. To keep the Network vibrant in delivering its services, fees
are required to keep membership status active. Consensus has been made amongst members an
agreed amount. This is BSC Monrovia own way of appreciating your valuable time and effort as
we all strive for food security in Liberia. The BSC also urges all registered and potential members
and members to keep on the spirit of togetherness as it is vital for the sustainability of the
network and to help spread the message so that the network can reach to all parts of the relevant
counties.
3. Project Description
The Business Startup Center (BSC) Monrovia is a local Business Development Service Provider
working in the Small Medium Enterprises Sector. The BSC is a subawardee of LADA to facilitate
and coordinate the establishment of the Agribusiness Investment Network (AIN). The BSC will
house the AIN and enure that AIN has the capacity to provide business development services to
its members, establish business linkages, identify, engage and pitch to potential investors, organize
periodic meetings to discuss challenges encountered by members and design strategies for solving
these challenges/hurdles, and advocate of behalf of themselves, policy reforms for her members.
The BSC will also assist the AIN Administratioin to engage in market research to provide up-to-
date market information regarding products, prices, consumers, etc. for her members to trade
smoothly. The BSC supports the Agribusiness Investment Network (AIN) to implement her
core objectives with support provided by USAID – CNFA/LADA. AIN’s central objective is to
increase investment in post-harvest handling, processing, and auxiliary services, and to make the
services more widely available. The AIN will serve as a resource of information, capacity building
platform, and business and market linkages platform, etc. which would be an essential piece for
the project’s lasting success. AIN will enable agrodealers to better anticipate the demand for
inputs; enable farmer organizations to schedule production that meets market requirements; and
guide investment decisions by post-harvest processors and service providers. AIN will offer
training programs that address the needs and opportunities to different actors along the value
chains. Below are key services/activites of the AIN:
▪ Advocate for policies regulations, acts, etc. on behalf of agribusinesses
▪ Connect producers to national and international market opportunities
▪ Develop relationships between investors and financial institutions
▪ Train and provide technical assistance for agribusinesses
▪ Gather information on agri-sector for policy advocacy
▪ Organize events, workshops, roundtable discussion with agro-business, farmers,
stakeholders, etc. to discuss opportunities for investment in the agriculture sector
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▪ Provide capacity building & technical services for maximum productivity
▪ Provide up to date market information for local farmers and agribusinesses
4. Summary of BSC’s Achievements During Reporting Period
Supported by BSC, the AIN held her 5th Periodic Roundtable Meeting on 27 April 2018 at the
BSC Monrovia Office. The meeting brought together a cross section of members from various
value chains and sectors. The essence of the meeting was to discuss key talking points including
sustainability, profiling, promotion, etc. The meeting concluded tangible next steps, particularly
sustainability of the Network.
5. Key Accomplishments in Line with Deliverables within Scope of Work
As per the approved deliverables of the BSC sub award, below are key achievements of the
activities implemented by the BSC.
5.1 AIN Central Office – Monrovia
No. Strategic Activity Activities Results
1. Lobby and Advocacy for the
passage of the Instruments
(Pesticides, Seeds, Fertilizer,
NSL Act and Food Law)
During the month of April, the AIN developed
a Roadmap for the passage of the the Legal
Instruments. The Roadmap provided a clear
description of the setps and activities that has
to happen to get the Acts and Regulations
approved by the Legislature. AIN Consultant,
Dr. Roland Massaquoi and William Dennis met
with relevant Legislative Committee Members
informally to discuss their support. Dr.
Massaquoi also met with the Vice President
(President of the Senate) to advocate for
plenary intervention.
See Excel File Attached for Road Map
Roadmap has been
developed and submitted to
LADA Senior Management.
Meetings held with Sen.
Peter Coleman and Sen.
Morris Saytumah and Vice
President Taylor.
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2. Investment Opportunity for
AIN Members
The AIN continued discussion with the
Department of Economic Management at the
Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
The discussion centered around accessing the
Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI)
funding supported by the World Bank to the
Government of Liberia. The Deputy Minsiter
informed that plans are underway to request
for application from Liberian Businesses across
all sectors to apply for the funding. The Funding
is 4.1 Million United States Dollars.
The Deputy Minister
assured the AIN that once
application is out, they will
inform the AIN to invite
agribusinesses that has the
potential to apply.
3. Setting up the AIN
Provisional Board
The BSC has identified potential individuals
from key sectors to be part of the Provisional
Board of the BSC. Introductory messages have
been sent and individuals have confirmed their
participation. First Meeting is scheduled for
May 2018 to review the draft By – Laws and
Constitution for the Network.
Provisional Board Members
will review the Draft By –
Law & Constitute and the
Article of Incorporation and
submit a final draft for
adaptation at the AIN
General Assembly.
4. Communication/Information
Sharing
Regular updates on AIN activities including
activities within the counties are posted on the
AIN website. The membership tap has been
included that provides detailed information
about all AIN members at the moment.
Opportunities for programs in the Agric sector
are also been updated.
Posted on AIN Social Media
pages and website all AIN
activities during the month
of April 2018
www.ainliberia.org
5.2 Summaries of AIN Activities in the Counties
In the outstation communities, the AIN continued to work with the LADA grantees in Nimba
and Lofa Counties. The support focused on assisting the Grantees to understand the sections of
the reporting templates to ensure they produce the required quality of the reports. The AIN met
with the USAID Evaluation Team in Gbarnga, Bong County to discuss the AIN support to
members. The meeting discussed activities organized and implemented by the AIN in the various
counties and what are the outcomes of the support. The AIN Regional Office met with
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agribusinesses as part of the regular Periodic Roundtable Meeting to discuss sustainability,
profiling and publicity.
▪ The AIN Regional Coordinator worked closely with key grantees in Lofa particularly
Selma Agriculture Development Company (SADC) and Agriculture Infrastructure and
Investment Company (AIIC). The support focused on strengthening their capacity in filling
in the reporting templates, as well as providing business development services in
management, marketing and financial management. Assisting in the development of a clear
process for record keeping, marketing strategy and engaging potential markets for selling
the products. The AIN provided information on opportunities for business linkages with
individual buyers/consumers in Voinjama market who are potential clients for the two
grantees to sell their rice. The AIN will continue to strengthen the relationship between
the buyers and the grantees to ensure that transction occurs. The AIN also worked with
other agribusinesses in counties on business management and strengthening their linakges.
▪ In Nimba, the AIN Regional Coordinator also worked with other grantees including
Kpodo, Dokodan and Gbeley-Geh Cooperatives. The support also focused on
strengthening their capacity filling up the reporting template, but also providing
entrepreneurial mentorship for them to continuously report on their activities and not
when it is demanded by LADA. This is very keen for continuation of the grantees to
properly report on their activities first of all to improve insight in their own business, but
also for potential technical and financial assistance. The AIN will continue to provide
mentorship on Attitudes, Ethics and Behavior change and entrepreneurial skills
development to enhance their capacity for better business management. The AIN
Regional Coordinator worked with the group on drafting a marketing plan for engaging
potential markets for their products. It was agreed that by Mid-May a draft Marketing Plan
will be developed to guide how they intend to grab market shares.
▪ The AIN team met with the USAID’s LADA Mid – Term Evaluation Team on 18 April
2018 to discuss activities within the county. The meeting focused on support to the
agribusinesses particularly on business linkages and access to external capital as well as
profiling and publicity of the key agribusinesses that has great potential to attract
investment. The AIN indicated that business linkages are ongoing with key markets and
individual potential buyers, the Local Agribusiness Networks in all three counties have
been introduced informally to some buyers. What is important is to keep the relationship
active as possible. The AIN informed that profiling is also ongoing and as at 1 April 2018,
over 265 agribusinesses are part of the AIN database and are posted on the AIN website
“Membership” tap. The AIN also explained that the Coordinator, Mr. William Dennis is
working with various opportunities from the Government of Liberia, World Bank and
Private Equity Investors to attract financing for members. The Evaluation Team advised
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that weekly promotion of agribusinesses that are doing well either in production or
processing should be in the spotlight. The Team also advised that the AIN should
encourage more agribusinesses to be part which allows to members to contribute to the
sustainability of the Network by committing to due payments and publicity.
5.2.1 Detailed of AIN Activties Implemented
During the period under review, the AIN participated in the Agriculture Coordination
Coordination Meeting held on 20, April 2018 in Gbarnga, Bong County. The meeting was higlhly
attended by 6 key organizations within the region. The organizations attended included: China
Aid, Action for Safer Community (ASCO), Liberia Environmental Care Organization (LECO),
Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, CARITAS and the AIN. The discussion was centered around MoA
providing technical backstopping to projects, programs and activities ongoing within the county.
The MoA informed that information sharing is essential for the development of the sector and
they are ready and willing to share. Information regarding potential market linkages, business
opportunities and partners that have approached them for actors in key value chains for
procurement of agriculture commodities. The MoA announced and introduced their new County
Coordinator Mr. Kollie Nahn who will steer the activities of the Ministry within the County. The
MoA agreed to conduct rountine site visits to offices and projects to provide technical support
where necessary and information relevant to their project activities. The AIN Regional
Coordinator informed that there is a need to strengthen the collaborative efforts to ensure
smooth implementation of various activities are achieved. He stressed that MoA needs to be
readily available and willing to share information on government intervention and assistance. The
Coordination meeting is very essential and should happen monthly at various projects and
programs offices so that everybody feels a part of the development process and partners can fully
understand and physically see what is been done.
After the ACC Meeting, the AIN engaged the Aquaculture Inland Fishery Federation in Liberia in
Melekie, Bong County. The AIN Regional Coordinator met with the Team to discuss the
registration process for the Bong County Acquaculture Association. The AIN Regional
Coordinator linked the Association to a representative at the Liberia Business Registry (LBR) to
assist in obtaining the Article of Incorporation.
During the Period under review, the AIN also met and had a lengthy discussion with USAID’s
LADA Mid-Term Evaluation Team both in Bong and Montserrado Counties. The meeting in Bong
county was very productive as the Regional Coordinator explained the AIN role in the LADA
thematic areas and and the team was able to visit members of the AIN to see what support has
been provided. The Regional Coordinator explained that the AIN has database and profile over
200 agribusinesses across the country and still engaging new members. He also said that business
management support for record keeping, financial management, marketing and customer service
mentorship is being provided monthly to the beneficiaries. He further noted that business linkages
with potential buyers in the various markets places in the counties has been ongoing with a few
agribusinesses in Bong, Nimba and Lofa Counties.
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In Monrovia, the BSC Director re-emphasized that the BSC in supporting the establishment of
the AIN and current activities. He informed that the BSC is facilitating the passage of the Legal
Instruments (Seeds, Fertilizers, Pesticides, NSL, Food Law) that would create a conducive
business environment for agribusinesses in the country. Also, identifying potential investors,
financiers, equity funds and business angels who are agriculture focus to see the potential of some
of the AIN members for investment. He also explained that business linkages and identifying new
markets are very essential for the AIN beneficiaries and the BSC is working tirelessly to ensure
that AIN can establish strong business and market linkages between potential buyers/consumers
and AIN members is achieve before end of YR3.
6. Recommendation
The AIN over a year and half has expanded increased her membership extensively in the bread
basket counties of Liberia, Bong, Nimba and Lofa Counties. Profiling and databasing agribusinesses
and providing mentorship and coaching to these agribusinesses to improve their internal
management and increase sales. Connecting potential buyers and agribusinesses (processors) to
business opportunities to increase income. Setting up the Provisional Board to review existing
documentations to fully establish the AIN. It is recommended that LADA continues to support
the AIN to adequately position herself to provide the relevant services to her members. The full
establishment is underway which will adequately outline the key activities the network will engage
in. The AIN also recommends that LADA strengthen the BSC Monrovia to fully set-up the AIN
particularly technical and financial support to enable the Startup Center to possess the relevant
requirement for the AIN setup. The AIN is also recommending that continous support to expand
the database in other value chains that LADA is not working on be encourarged. There are other
value chains players/actors such as Oil Palm, Goat, Livestock, etc, that LADA is not focusing on
be encouraged to join the the Network. The AIN has reached out to these value chains in
counties such as Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Sinoe, etc. to join the Network and get
services that the AIN offers. This will create a smooth environment for agribusinesses across the
spectrum of the country. It is finally recommended that LADA fully capacitate the AIN in terms
of logistics, and other resources to enable them actively engage members across the country to
benefit from the services been offer. What is important now is that the AIN design strategies to
identify new opportunities to finance the activities of the Network and become sustainable. The
BSC will assist the AIN to develop concrete sources for incomes. The AIN will remain strong
and aggressive in providing information, connecting businesses, attracting investments and
providing capacity building to her members to help strengthen the agric sector and contribute to
the Government’s vision to becoming self-sufficient and provide food security for her people.
The sector the AIN is working in is a critrical sector to achieving the overarching goal of the
Government of Liberia.
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7. Conclusion
The month of April 2018 focused again on supporting the grantees in developing a comprehensive
report of their activities/operations for their company. This time around, the AIN focused on
strengthening the internal capacity in terms of working closely with the team members who are
responsible for generating the information that needs to be reported. One on one coaching and
mentorship has been very helpful with staff of the grantees (AIIC, SADC, Kpodo, etc.) Motivating
the staff to continuously do the reporting is very important to the growth and expansion of the
enterprise. The AIN regular Periodic Roundtable was very essential for exploring different
avenues for sustainability for the Network. The discussion centered around raising funds to keep
the wheels of the Network growing. The members were excited that their role is cardinal for
the growth of the platform. The AIN new strategy to fully establish the Network is ongoing, this
will ultimately provide a structure objectives and goals for the platform and provide the requisite
support that the members deserve.
At the same time, continuous public and private sector organization engagements to make aware
the AIN is ongoing. There has been tremendous relationship building with public institutions such
as the Ministry of Finance, National Investment Commission, Ministry of Commerce, etc. which
is cardinal for the growth of the AIN. Also, private sector organization, particularly Financial
Institutions like the World Bank, West Africa Venture Fund (WAVF), etc. are essential for
accessing financial support for the AIN members, this will yield tangible results to support some
of the members that encountered financial challenges expanding their businesses. Finally, in
conclusion, the AIN roadmap for the enactment of the Acts and Regulations (Pesticides, Seeds,
Fertilizers, NSL Act, Food Law) will provide a suitable atmosphere for members of the AIN to
operate their businesses. Also, more importantly that Liberian Agribusinesses to take advantage
of the opportunities provide growing seeds, providing the requisite fertilizers for farmers, etc.
The Acts will create institutions to monitor and regulate business transaction within the specific
areas. The AIN is strongly engaging the relevant Legislative Committees to ensure that the Acts
& Regulations (Pesticides, Fertilizers, Seeds, etc.) are passed. The Agriculture Sector has been
earmarked as a major sector to contribute to the growth and development of Liberia, increasing
incomes for farmers, strengthening private sector development and increasing export of various
agriculture commodities, etc. The AIN is part of the process.
8. Planned Activities May 2018
No. Strategic Objective Activities Timeline/Staff Anticipated Results
1. Lobbying and Advocating of Acts
and Regulations
Component 3 Lead,
Dr. Massaquoi,
William Dennis, etc,
10 – 20 May 2018 –
Zaza Mulbah, Roland
Roadmap
developed/implementation
strategy design and
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will develop a
strategy/roadmap
to ensuring the
Legal Instruments
are passed by the
Legislature.
The team will also
organize a
roundtable
discussion to
review the
strategy/roadmap
and design
implementation
strategy.
Massaquoi and
William Dennis
process begins to engage
stakeholders.
2. AIN Full Establishment A Roadmap and
Implementation
strategy will be
developed for the
full establishment of
the AIN.
Provisional Board
named and first held
to start the revision
of the draft By –
Laws, Constitution
and Article of
Incorporation.
AIN General
Assembly will be
planned to review
and adapt the By –
1 – 18 May 2018 Dr.
Massaquoi, William
Dennis, Zaza Mulbah
and Provisional Board
Members
By – Laws and
Constitution fully drafted.
AIN Assembly held, and
Potential Board Members
named
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Laws and
Constitution.
3. AIN support to Local
Agribusinesses Network (LAN)
Organized
roundtable
discussion for AIN
members to be
aware of the full
establishment plans.
20 – 25 May 2018 -
Emmett Teage and
Numanee Zergbo
Information on the
Provisonal Board work
provided.
4. Agriculture Sectoral
Engagements (Cassava Sector)
Participate in the
National Cassava
Sector
Coordination
Committee and
advise on strategic
plans/activities for
the Value Chain.
May 2018 – William
Dennis and Numanee
Zergbo
2018 plans/activities
discussed and documented
for the NCSCC
5. Investment Forums Continue to engage
Banks, Financiers
and Investment
Companies to
discuss potential for
investing
agribusinesses in
Liberia.
1 – 31 May 2018 –
William Dennis
Banks, Financiers, Funds,
Investors understand AIN
objectives and members
database shared
6. Communication/Information Post regularly on
AIN website and
social media pages
all activities of AIN
for the month
1 – 31 May 2018 –
Rashelia Klayee
Potential partners and
sponsors are aware of AIN
activities monthly.
9. Annexes
9.1 AIN Periodic Meeting Report
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AIN Periodic Meeting
BSC Monrovia, UL Main Campus, Capitol Hill
Monrovia, Liberia
Date: 27, April 2018
______________________________________________________________________________
Background
The Business Startup Center (BSC) Monrovia supports the Agribusiness Investment Network
(AIN) to implement her core objectives with support provided by USAID – CNFA/LADA. AIN’s
central objective will be to increase investment in post-harvest handling, processing, and auxiliary
services, and to make them more widely available. As its roles as a source of information, training,
and business links will make it essential for the project’s lasting success. AIN will enable
agribusinesses to better address demand for inputs and supplies; enable farmer organizations to
schedule production that meets market requirements; and guide investment decisions by post-
harvest processors and service providers. AIN will offer training programs that address the needs
and opportunities to different actors along the value chains. Below are key services/activites of
the AIN:
▪ Advocate for policies regulations, acts, etc. on behalf of agribusinesses
▪ Connect producers to national and international market opportunities
▪ Develop relationships between investors and financial institutions
▪ Training and technical assistance for agribusinesses
▪ Gather information on agri-sector for policy advocacy
▪ Organize events, workshops, roundtable discussion with agro-business, farmers,
stakeholders, etc. to discuss opportunities for investment in the agriculture sector
▪ Provide capacity building & technical services for maximum productivity
▪ Provide up to date market information for local farmers and agribusinesses
Today’s meeting is about bringing together all the actors in the agribusiness sector to present the
Network website in detail, how agribusinesses can make use of the platform to promote their
businesses, sustainability of the Network and business opportunties.
Agenda
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9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Arrival of Members
10:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.: Self-Introduction
10:20 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Remarks (Zaza Mulbah – Chief of Staff, CNFA/LADA)
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Presentation of AIN Website – Mr. William R. Dennis II,
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Sustainability of the AIN
11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.: Business Opportunities
11:40 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Q & A – Participants
11:50 a.m. – 12:00 noon.: Remarks – AIN Member
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.: AOB, Snacks & Networking
Title: Periodic Meeting Report
Date of Meeting April 27, 2018
Venue of Meeting BSC Monrovia, “The Entrepreneurship Center”
AIN Members Producers, Processors, Financiers, etc.
AIN Staff Emmett Teage, Numanee Zergbo, William Dennis
Key Focus Sustainability, Profiling & Promotion
Section 1.0: Purpose of Meeting
The key purpose of the meeting was to discuss the below:
1. Presentation of the AIN website for profiling of members and promoting members who are engage
actively in production of cassava, rice, vegetables, etc. as well as processing to attract potential financial
and non-financial support
2. Dicussion around the sustainability of the Network, Due Payment, Registration Fees, Promotion of
website fee, etc. that would be used to support activities/programs of the AIN
3. Discussion on the revision of the Draft By – Laws, Constitution of the Network by Provisional Board
Section 2.0 Major Discussion Points
AIN Website, Profiling, Promotion and Sustainability
▪ Mr. William Dennis, AIN Coordinator presented the AIN Website and explained the various
taps on the home page and describe their essence. He explained that the website provides
information on the Mission, Vision, & Objectives of the AIN, background of the existence, and
temporary managers. He also further noted that the website showcases all the members who
have filled in the AIN Membership Form. The Membership Tap provides a full detail of all
members, what specific value chain they are engaging in, location, contact details, owner, ect.
Monthly reports of the AIN are also being posted regularly on the website. There is also
information of support LADA is providing to her grantees uploaded to the website for
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promotion and information puproses that could be relevant for members for future
partnership. He asked that the members regularly visit the website to get information of
activities/programs since it would impossible to meet every now and then. The Coordinator
concluded that the website is a great platform for members for promote their enterprises and
get information on agric-sector and opportunities. Market information, access to finance
opportunities and private sector programs will be uploaded to the website, he ended.
▪ The Coordinator explained as part of the sustainability of the Network, it was essential to
discuss that profiling and promotion of members be addressed. He pointed out that AIN are
designing plans to visit agribusinesses and conduct a comprehensive assessment of their
activities which will be videotape for promotional purposes. He continued that this is a
marketing strategy that the AIN wants to provide for her members. The ultimate objective of
the profiling and promotion is to make aware the audience who visit the website regularly to
know what is going on with members, more importantly attracting external support from
partners in the financial sector. The Coordinatior explained that this will cost members a fee
that would be also used to maintain the website and videotaping cost. The floor was open to
suggest an amount. The members suggested that a fee of between US$ 10.00 – 20.00 be pay
by member for promotion of their enterprises. They also suggested that it the promotion
should be not more than a week in the spotlight on the website. This will give other
agribusinesses chance to be showcase. It was suggested that a fee be placed on hold until the
By – Laws and Constitution be finalised at which time the Body will vote for a specific amount.
But what was important is that, members are in full consent of paying for promotion activites
that will posted on the website and contribute to the sustainability of the Network.
▪ The discussion on Dues Payment was presented for deliberation. The Coordinator stressed
that dues would be one of the most important fee that members has to pay to keep the
operations of the Network, and it is pivotal that all are in agreement. The Members proposed
that a monthly fee of LD 500.00 – 1,000.00 be pay by each member. They suggested that since
all of this will be documented in the By – Laws & Constitution, a vote for a agreed amount will
be finalized. But also, the toipic was very essential for discussion and all the members are in
full agreement.
▪ Other issues discussed during the meeting, some members suggested that since sustainability
is key for the operations of the AIN, it discussed that all members should complete the
registration process by paying an amount of US$ 5.00 which would be a one time payment and
member can obtain a “Certificate of Membership” to authenticate their membership. Again,
members were very open to the idea and decied that it be noted in the By – Laws and
Constitution and would be voted upon.
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9.2 Bong County – Activities, Implementation & Timeline Table – April 2018
No. Planned
Activity
Dates Participants County AIN
Intervention
Results Comment
1. Agriculture
Coordination
Committee
Meeting
April
20,
2018
6 Organizations
(AIN, ASCO,
China Aid,
LECO, MoA
CARITAS
Gbarnga,
Bong
County
The AIN
advised the
MoA that
technical
backstopping
for agriculture
agencies
needs to be
provided,
particularly on
information
on support
from the
Ministry in
terms of
technical
training,
market
linkages, etc.
The AIN also
stressed the
need for
better
collaboration
and
coordination
amongst the
various
partners
(Public &
Private)
The MoA has
accepted to
engaged in
rountine visits
to officies and
project sites to
provide
technical
support where
necessary.
The MoA has
appointed Mr.
Kollie Nahn as
the new
County
Coordinator
replacing
Roland P.
Varkpeh.
2. Support to
Aquaculture &
Inland Fishery
Federation of
Liberia
April
20,
2018
6 Melekie,
Bong
County
The AIN
linked the
Bong County
Agribusiness
Network
(BONCAN)
By - Laws and
Constitution
adopted by
organization’s
members and
Article of
BONCAN is
now preparing
for its official
launch slated
for June 2018.
Various
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to an official
of the Liberia
Business
Regsitry to
assist and
faciliate the
acquisition of
BONCAN
Article of
Incorporation
for full
registration.
Incorporation
finalized and
signed by
Incorporators
and sent to
Monrovia for
Incorporation &
registration.
committees
are being set
up to organize
program
3. Meeting with
Midterm
Evaluation
Team
Apr 18,
2018
3 (AIN, Social
Impact)
Suakoko,
Bong
County
Specific role
AIN is
offering to the
project in
Bong, Lofa,
Nimba was
outlined. AIN
urged the
Social Impact
team to visit
its website to
assess the
works being
done.
The evaluation
team
recommended
that the AIN
sets up a database on
farmers
productivity in
order to create
the means
linkage to
private buyers.
The AIN will
make statistics
on land area,
production
capacity of
farmers for
market linkages.
Evaluation
Team member
- Stanford
quoted “As
CNFA LADA
grantees is
increasing
beyond
500kg/hectare
in rice
production,
the BSC
should assit
the AIN
Administration
to identify
opportunties
to sell their
rice and not
rely on just
the market”
9.3 Nimba County
In the month of April, the AIN Team continued to work with the Grantees on improving their
skills in understanding the reporting template and strengthening their internal operations to
conduct business appropriately. The AIN facilitated a mentorship between key staff of the
grantees (Kpodo, Dokodan and Gbehlay Geh) who are essential for producing the information
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for the report template to understand the importance of the report. The AIN also work closely
with the grantees on developing marketing strategy for engaging and retainig potential buyers,
making them aware of the products they are selling. The AIN has communicated informally to
potential buyers and established an informal relationship between the grantes and these
customers. The AIN will continue to facilitate these discussions and ensure that business
transctions occurs. For business management, the AIN assisted the grantees to fully document
their processes and systems in which they operate. It was informed that systems will help them
understand where they would need technical support plus if they are generating revenue and or
not. All this information is also very important for accessing finance from ptentoal Equity
Investors, Funds, or Business Angels. The AIN will provide coaching and mentorship in adapting
best business ethics that ultimately increase their productivity.
9.4 LADA Grantees Supported – Reporting Template
Grantee Name Location Activity Contact Person &
Contact #
Comments/Remarks
Kpodo Farmers
Cooperative
Society
(Togetherness)
Zayglay,
Nimba
Rice
production,
processing,
aggregation
Mr. Peter Sarkpeder
+231 777 765 395
C. Flomo Agro
Business Center
Saclepea,
Nimba
Dealer in Agro
inputs
(chemicals,
fertilizers, tools
& vegetable
seeds
Mr. Charles Flomo
+231 777 561 828/
+231 886 518 028
DOKODAN
Farmers
Cooperative
Gbedin,
Nimba
Rice
production,
processing,
aggregation
Mr. Jefferson N.
Tokpah +231 880
145 157
Rain Forest
Agriculture
Enterprise
Ganta,
Nimba
Agro Inputs &
Chemicals
Mr. Fedrick
Gonkartee
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Gbehlay Geh
Women
Multipurpose
Karnplay,
Nimba
Rice/Cassava
production,
processin
Madam Annie Kruah
+231 777 281 129
9.5 Gallery
AIN Regional Coordinator Meeting with AIN Coordinator attending Agriculture
USAID Evaluation Team in Lofa County Coordination Meeting in Bong County
Members at the AIN Periodic Meeting, April 27, 2018
AIN Members post for a Big Picture, Periodic Meeting, Website Presentation,
April 27, 2018
9.6 Attendance
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