TechnoServe is leading a four-year soy value chain program in Mozambique and Zambia, aiming to increase annual incomes... of 37,000 poor smallholder families by an average of $200. Under the $8 million program funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, TechnoServe works with major players such as Cargill, Mount Meru Miller and a network of private aggregators. The existing extension and logistical capacities of participating agribusiness partners and farmers’ organizations are leveraged to support smallholder access to inputs and agricultural technology, and to strengthen and stabilize market access. TechnoServe is also working with financial institutions to design financial products that are appropriate for small-scale and emerging farmers in Zambia. In addition, TechnoServe is working with input companies to synchronize the availability of inputs through aggregators and the distribution of e-vouchers to farmers in rural areas.

With the support of the U.S. Agency for International Development and in partnership with Partners in Food Solutions, a... consortium of three global food manufacturers (General Mills, DSM and Cargill), TechnoServe launched a five-country initiative to improve the quality and quantity of nutritious, processed food in Africa. In Zambia, we are currently assisting nine processors, with over 37 different technical and business development projects that will increase their capacity and efficiency, and improve the quality and safety of their products. The processors currently engaged represent Corn Soy Blend and fortified flours, dairy, vegetable oil, jams and sauces, baked goods, fish feed and snacks. TechnoServe has also trained about 100 food processing participants in food quality and safety management systems and flour fortification with micronutrients. In addition, TechnoServe has invited Root Capital to conduct a preliminary analysis of food processing enterprises’ financial needs.