Chapter 6. The role of the private sector and the engagement of smallholder farmers in food value chains 209
A network of small plots belonging to participating farmers was dedicated to growing improved
varieties giving high yields, suitable for processing and for producing quality products. Continuous
supply of these high quality planting materials was necessary to facilitate continuous operation for
farmers, processors and traders. The program also set up Good Practice Centres, where selected tuber
and root processing enterprises with standardized equipment were located. As part of the program’s
technology generation and capacity building goals, RTIMP promoted the use of standardized cassava
processing equipment and facilities, as well as training the main implementing partners to construct
the standardized equipment. RTIMP provides training services to farmers based on their needs. There
is no free service and smallholder farmers pay for the services offered.
The MEF was established to enable processors to acquire processing equipment and to market their
products. However, its matching fund requirement constituted a barrier to access, as the processors
lacked the resources needed to join. The district stakeholders’ meetings provided opportunities for all
stakeholders in the cassava value chain to exchange ideas and discuss possible avenues to promote
and market their cassava commodities. Consequently, they enabled farmers within a specific zone to
exchange information about raw materials and transport availability, as well as about idle processing
facilities, thereby promoting the effective integration of all the processes.