Cambodia: Integrating a Value Chain Perspective in Micro and Small Scale Enterprise Development

The course focuses on integrating a value chain perspective in micro and small scale enterprise development, and how this conceptual and methodological framework can enhance pro-gram strategies for sustainable livelihoods, profitable small scale enterprises and socially responsive private sector. The course specifically covers concepts and principles in value chain; field exercises where participants will use participatory tools to conduct value chain assessments, mapping and analysis of various key actors in a chosen agricultural commodity; and development of action plans. The course emphasizes field-based learning to enable participants to synthesize knowledge and skills acquired and apply these in their respective organizations and programs.

Course Objectives

1. synthesized lessons learned from successful value chain experiences;
2. critically review and discuss concepts in value chain development, marketing, profitability and business planning for rural enterprises;
3. practice value chain analysis of a specific agricultural commodity;
4. identified strategies for upgrading and sustaining value chain; and
5. developed an action plan that will integrate key lessons learned from the course in participants’ current projects and programs.

Who should attend

Middle-level managers Field facilitators of enterprise development/value chain programs Extension personnel and community workers engaged in social enterprises

Methodologies

Facilitators will use a participatory training approach where both facilitators and participants will share their knowledge and experiences in the field. Lectures will be short and will be complemented with group exercises, case study analysis and plenary discussions. Field visits will be conducted in select communities where participants will be exposed to various value chain approaches.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Value Chains in Micro and Small Scale Enterprise Development

This module introduces the concepts, principles and process of value chain development and strengthening. Issues and challenges in developing small scale rural agro-enterprises will also be discussed including the framework and principles in business development ser-vices that facilitate enterprise development.

Module 2: Value Chain Assessment

Module 2 focuses on orienting participants with methods and tools, with a gender perspective, to plan, design and implement value chain assessment. The assessment results will be used to map and analyze a value chain of a specific agricultural commodity. The findings will be used to develop and recommend improvements and innovations to enhance existing value chains.

Module 3: Strengthening capacities for value chain perspective

This module enables participants to support and facilitate capacity strengthening, understanding the principles of rural business development services, analyzing value chain interventions and program design, and monitoring and evaluation to support value chain development programs.

Module 4: Action Planing

Participants will review, reflect and synthesize all their learning’s to develop an action plan for their own projects and programs. The action plan will serve as a guide for participants to apply their learnings on value chain development obtained through this course.

Course Fees and Related Term

The training fee of 1,800USD covers: course fee meals and coffee breaks double occupancy accommodation course-related materials field and agency visits, and airport transfers. Single room occupancy is available upon request and at extra cost. Fees do not include international airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies. IIRR reserves the right to cancel the course one month before the course starts if the required quorum is not met. This will be conveyed immediately to the applicants. Course fees will be refunded in full.

For more information and to receive an application form, contact:
Dulce Dominguez
Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org