In a concerted effort to empower exporters and processors in the region and unleash their full potential, a group of organizations joined forces and have introduced an innovative intervention aimed at equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge to navigate today’s dynamic market landscapes.
Background
The intervention served as a gateway for agro-exporters in Dominica to grow their businesses, enabling them to enhance competitiveness in the international market. Specifically tailored to strengthen the capacity of agro-exporters, the program offered comprehensive training in social media marketing, product photography, and costing strategies.
Additionally, participants benefited from general capacity-building initiatives aimed at reinforcing their skills and knowledge in effectively navigating market dynamics.
The region has prioritized the reduction of imports from extra-regional sources by 25% by 2025. Intra-regional trade is seen as one mechanism to achieve this. In addition, there are various opportunities in extra-regional markets. In response to the call by governments for exporters to intensify export efforts, the intervention focuses on fostering the development of export-ready products.
Donors and Collaborators
To facilitate these efforts, IICA in collaboration with FAO and partners such as the EU, ACP, IFAD, PROCASUR and FO4ACP (Farmers’ Organizations for Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) have developed the current intervention to support exporters and processors in the region to maximize their potential.
IICA collaborated with the following individuals to execute the trainings: Mr. Aldon Gage of Digital Engagements, the National Development Foundation of Dominica (NDFD), and FAO Correspondent, Mr. Ryan Anselm.
Work Undertaken
Mr. Aldon Gage and the NDFD conducted two crucial training sessions on April 5 and 11, 2024 respectively. Fifteen (15) participants benefited from the first training on “Social Media Development and Product Photography”, facilitated by Mr. Gage, and covered the following topics:
The significance of social media in modern business practices.
Harnessing the power of various social media platforms for effective marketing.
Techniques for engaging buyers and optimizing online presence.
Essential principles of product photography, including lighting, composition, and post-
production.
Following the training, participants had the opportunity to have professional photographs taken of their products, enhancing their marketing capabilities and visual appeal. The second training session “Costing Strategies for Agro Processors and Exporters” focused on:
Basic Bookkeeping
Financial Statements
Costing, and Pricing Products
Effective Financial Management.
Grant Proposal Writing
This session was led by NDFD staff and provided over 20 participants with the essential financial literacy skills, crucial for sustainable business operations.
Major Results and Next Steps
Some of the major results from these trainings included:
1. Enhanced Marketing Strategies: Participants learned effective social media marketing techniques and product photography skills, enabling them to create compelling marketing content and attract more customers to their products.
2. Strengthened Financial Management: Participants acquired essential financial literacy skills and knowledge in basic bookkeeping, financial statements, costing, pricing, and effective financial management, leading to more informed decision-making and improved financial performance.
3. Increased Competitiveness: By implementing the strategies and practices learned during the training sessions, participants enhanced the competitiveness of their businesses, making them better positioned to thrive in the global marketplace.
Next steps:
IICA is dedicated to providing ongoing support and mentorship to participants to ensure the sustained application of the skills and knowledge acquired during the training sessions. The institute will also continue to facilitate networking opportunities for participants to connect with potential buyers, suppliers, and industry experts, further expanding their business networks and opportunities for collaboration.
About IICA
IICA is the specialized agency for agriculture in the Inter-American system, with a mission to encourage, promote and support its 34 Member States in their efforts to achieve agricultural development and rural well-being through international technical cooperation of excellence.
This is a much needed and relevant initiative 👏. However, my concern here is to elivate from the hucksters licence to a traders licence.
Ti’s is a much needed and relevant initiative 👏. However, my concern here is to elivate from the hucksters licence to a traders licence.