The PAFO-COLEAD Partnership: results of the 2024 satisfaction survey

The PAFO-COLEAD Partnership: results of the 2024 satisfaction survey

Since 2020, the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO) and COLEAD have been working together in a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to strengthen fair and sustainable business linkages between smallholders, farmer groups, and agri-food Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) on the African continent. Together, they are developing joint activities to support the transformation towards sustainable and inclusive food systems in Africa. The primary goals are to promote sustainable and inclusive growth, alleviate poverty, enhance food security, ensure food safety, and improve nutrition.

The Innovations Series

Starting in November 2020, PAFO and COLEAD have organized 19 online sessions showcasing 81 inspiring African farmer-led businesses and MSMEs. These sessions, known as the Innovations Series, are designed to support African entrepreneurs in seizing opportunities offered by local, regional, and export markets across various value chains. The series also features contributions from those who support an enabling environment for African entrepreneurs, including policy makers, researchers, and business support entities. Topics covered in these sessions include among other value addition, sustainability, regional trade, access to finance, resilience to climate change and technological innovations.

The Agrinnovators Website

In response to requests from participants in the Innovations Series for a dedicated space for continuous information exchange and networking, PAFO and COLEAD launched the Agrinnovators.org website in October 2023. This joint platform consolidates all information related to the Innovations Series, including business profiles of featured companies, publications, and articles on specific topics. Additionally, it provides a forum for discussion and networking among users.

Results of the 2024 Satisfaction Survey

To continually improve their joint activities and meet the expectations of African farmers, entrepreneurs, and other professionals working in agrifood sectors, PAFO and COLEAD conduct regular satisfaction surveys. The second satisfaction survey was conducted from January 17 to March 1, 2024. This survey aimed to collect feedback on the Innovations Series and related activities, especially the Agrinnovators website, to measure their impact and identify areas for improvement.

In addition to the 98% satisfaction rate – which is very encouraging – it is interesting to note the feedback from participants on what the sessions have enabled them to achieve the following:

• Increased access to market for smallholders.
• Networking amongst participants and visits of their factories.
• Improved knowledge on critical parts of the value chain and access to distribution networks.
• Knowledge and contacts to initiate certification processes.
• Entrepreneurs’ good practices have been replicated and engagement amongst entrepreneurs has been useful.
• Professional improvement, access to updates on key topics of the agrifood sector and access to good experts.
• Use and sharing of the business profiles.

To access the full report of the PAFO-COLEAD 2024 Satisfaction Survey, please click here.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.