We Effect Inclusive Market-Led Value Chains iMoved 2022-2026

We Effect managed to implement 83% of the activities planned during the first year which included processes to set up a foundation for the upcoming infrastructure work. We Effect managed to reach 43% of targeted participants for the three value chains, dairy, soy and horticulture and the great percentage was from dairy as the other two were still being set up. As such, monthly income above the target of $300 was reached by 13% of farmers who are in dairy and no incomes were recorded for the other two value chains. A pilot was done with one dairy hub Cynara which saw 26 farmers getting access to improved inputs at competitive prices and this will be replicated to the rest of the 8 hubs in the following years. The dairy hub model led to introduction of transport services which has seen farmers increasing delivery of milk from 90 litres to 270 litres per day as well as accessing stock feed at affordable cost. It has also created jobs for the youth who are now tri-cycle drivers and shop keepers for the feed and drug store. The private sector such as stock feed and drugs suppliers are now willing to supply their consignment to Cynara dairy hub at no additional cost because they are buying in bulk, 10 tons a trip making them a meaningful business partner.

Goal: To contribute to an inclusive, market-oriented value chain development of the dairy, soya and horticulture sector for sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment of female, male and youth smallholder farmers in 13 districts of Zimbabwe. Outcome: Increased income for female, male and young smallholder farmers participating in the dairy, soybeans and horticulture value chains. The project is organised into five outputs: - Sustainable and efficient production capacity, including value addition - Access to and linkages to reliable and economically viable input suppliers and markets for smallholder farmers - Access to Business Development Services (BDS) - Enabling environment for dairy, soybeans and horticulture value chain participation - Strengthened women's participation and leadership in the dairy value chain to reduce institutional and market barriers and promote inclusive economic development for women in dairy. The project is aiming to reach out to 10 500 direct beneficiaries of which 60 % will be women. The expected outputs or achievements of the project include: - Household incomes from participation in the three value chains shifts from subsistence to economically viable sectors for households participating in the selected value chains - 80% of smallholder farmers (60% women) reporting increased income as a result of project supported value chain activities.