2024 Partner Story
Agro-dealership Program Boosts Productivity by Strengthening Farmers’ Access to Quality Inputs
The Agro-dealership Program, spearheaded by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), has significantly improved producer livelihoods in 25 districts and 115 kebeles across Ethiopia’s Amhara, Central Ethiopia, Oromia, and Tigray regions. With an investment of over USD 105,588, the program has supported 26 agro-dealer groups, providing essential agricultural supplies and training. These groups have served over 61,868 farmers, generating USD 636,148 in annual sales over the 3 years. The initiative, coupled with interventions such as improved seeds and fertilizers, has strengthened market connections and contributed to the enhancement of smallholder farmers’ productivity, with reported yield increases of up to 57% in teff, 23% in wheat, and 56% in maize, effectively addressing agricultural challenges and boosting economic resilience.
Across the Amhara, Central Ethiopia, Oromia, and Tigray regions of Ethiopia, the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has transformed livelihoods of youth in 25 districts and 115 kebeles through visionary partnerships that resulted in an investment of more than US $105,000 in 26 agro-dealer groups over the past seven years. SAA has facilitated these groups’ access to crucial agricultural supplies, including agro-chemicals, personal protective equipment, vegetable seeds, hybrid maize seeds, farm tools, hermetic grain storage bags (PICS), and sprayers, among others, from reliable sources.
Members of these agro-dealer groups received comprehensive training on the safe and responsible use of crop protection chemicals, including application techniques, precautionary measures, and emergency response protocols in case of poisoning. They were also trained in business skills and agro-input management and received assistance in adhering to trade and quarantine standards. These efforts have been instrumental in enhancing the groups’ operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
The agro-dealer groups have served over 61,868 farmers across different regions of Ethiopia, generating USD 636,148 in annual sales or 24,467 per agro-dealer group over the 3 years. Despite facing challenges such as inflation and capital constraints, the groups demonstrated resilience. Their early success in delivering inputs and providing appropriate extension and advisory services to farmers has been a significant motivation, resulting in substantial income generation.
SAA also played a critical role in facilitating connections between agro-dealer groups, wholesalers, and distributors, ensuring reliable access to quality agricultural inputs. This network has been vital in maintaining a steady supply of necessary resources for farmers.
The initiative continues to improve access to reliable agricultural inputs and advisory services, significantly boosting the productivity of smallholder farmers. Coupled with other interventions such as improved seeds and fertilizers, the agro-input supply has led to notable increases in grain yields. Farmers reported harvesting up to 57% more teff, 23% more wheat, and 56% more maize on their plots using improved technologies compared to community practices.
Smallholder farmers often face challenges such as insect pests like the maize stalk borer, diseases such as rust in wheat, and grassy weeds in teff. The availability of agricultural inputs has been crucial in enabling farmers to protect their crops from these threats and contributed to the enhancement of their overall yields.
The Agro-dealership Program, facilitated by the Sasakawa Africa Association, has proven to be a transformative initiative for youth and smallholder farmers across several regions in Ethiopia. By strengthening access to essential agricultural inputs and providing vital training and market connections, the program has significantly enhanced agricultural productivity and economic resilience. As a result, farmers are better equipped to manage agricultural challenges and improve their livelihoods through increased crop yields and income.
