The provision of agricultural services through self-help in Sub-Saharan Africa: A synthesis report for Phase I

The purpose of this research is to improve the understanding of governments, donors and non-government organisations (NGOs) of the role that farmer controlled enterprises (FCEs) can play in the provision of agricultural services to smallholders with commercial potential. The research combined desk studies and country visits to three Anglophone countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (Ghana, Uganda and Zimbabwe) and to two countries in Francophone Africa (Mali and Burkina Faso ). In conclusion we recommend that the promotion of FCEs be undertaken within a programme of rural enterprise development which has as its objective the creation of sustainable linkages between smallholders and the wider economy. Further research is recommended to address particular issues with regard to the design of such programmes including developing appropriate institutional mechanisms to link smallholders and the private sector, planning for the long term sustainability of programme activities and measuring their impact over time