Connexus recently conducted a detailed crop value chain and market systems analysis in Ethiopia for Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The main purpose was to identify target crop value chains that offer the greatest potential for expansion and upgrading for two CRS programs in the country: the Livelihoods Resilience of Oromia (LOR) activity, implemented by CRS and Meki Catholic Secretariat (MCS), and the Development Funded Security Activity (DFSA), a Feed the Future initiative.
Connexus’ team of consultants collected primary and secondary data through interviews and focus group discussions with key value chain actors across 14 woredas (districts), and utilized different tools like territorial scoping and value chain analysis to identify and prioritize potential value chains for the projects to work with. The team then developed a competitiveness and upgrading strategy for each proposed crop value chain along with various business plan models.
The results of the analysis will help CRS and MCS implement value chain development activities and upgrading strategies that not only foster livelihood and income generation, but also contribute to positive nutrition outcomes and are inclusive to different genders and youth. This will help producers (men, women and youth) and groups become market-ready and engage with sustainable value chains and markets for economic growth and poverty alleviation.