Course Overview
This 5-module course is designed to empower farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and agricultural extension professionals with the skills and strategies to increase profitability through value addition. Participants will explore post-harvest handling, agro-processing, packaging, branding, and market linkages that transform raw produce into higher-value goods. The course emphasizes local innovation, food safety standards, and business models to help agricultural producers diversify income streams and access premium markets.
DURATION
5 Days
Target Audience
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Smallholder Farmers and Farmer Groups
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Agribusiness Entrepreneurs and SMEs
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Agricultural Extension Officers
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Food Processors and Cooperatives
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Development Practitioners in Rural Livelihoods
Course Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will:
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Understand the concept and importance of value addition in agriculture
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Identify opportunities for processing, preservation, and product development
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Apply food safety and quality standards in agro-processing
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Develop packaging, branding, and pricing strategies for value-added products
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Create business plans and access market opportunities for processed goods
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1: Introduction to Value Addition in Agriculture
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What is value addition and why it matters
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Types of value addition: physical, economic, and marketing
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Challenges and opportunities across different crop and livestock chains
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Case Study: Transforming tomatoes into sauces for local and export markets
Module 2: Post-Harvest Handling and Processing Techniques
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Minimizing losses and maintaining product quality
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Techniques: drying, fermentation, preservation, milling, juicing
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Equipment needs for small and medium-scale processing
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Activity: Mapping a basic value addition chain for a selected crop
Module 3: Food Safety, Quality, and Certification
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Food hygiene and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
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National and international food safety standards
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Packaging regulations and labelling requirements
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Group Exercise: Conducting a food safety audit for a small facility
Module 4: Branding, Packaging, and Market Access
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Creating appealing packaging for different market segments
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Building a brand and communicating value
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Distribution channels, pricing, and customer profiling
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Practical Task: Designing packaging and branding for a new product line
Module 5: Business Planning and Scaling Strategies
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Feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis for value-added ventures
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Building inclusive agribusiness models
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Accessing finance, equipment, and market linkages
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Final Project: Drafting a value addition business model for a selected product
Customized Training
This training can be tailored to your institution needs and delivered at a location of your choice upon request.
Requirements
Participants need to be proficient in English.
Training Fee
The fee covers tuition, training materials, refreshments, lunch, and study visits. Participants are responsible for their own travel, visa, insurance, and personal expenses.
Certification
A certificate from Ideal Workplace Solutions is awarded upon successful completion.
Accommodation
Accommodation can be arranged upon request. Contact via email for reservations.
Payment
Payment should be made before the training starts, with proof of payment sent to outreach@idealworkplacesolutions.org.
For further inquiries, please contact us on details below:
