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EPOPA was implemented by Agro Eco and Grolink 1997-2008.

       

 

EPOPA - DEVELOPMENT
THROUGH ORGANIC TRADE

1997 to 2008 - Sida (Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency) has financed a programme to promote exports of organic products from Africa . The latest evaluation made in 2004 showed a high impact and significant improvements in the livelihood of some 27 000 farmers from Uganda and Tanzania. All in all, the EPOPA programme has improved more than 100 000 farmers which you can read more about in the downloadable book - Organic Exports - a way to a better life?

Export Promotion of Organic Products from Africa (EPOPA) was a programme created by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida). The programme had projects in Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia.

The EPOPA aim was to give African smallholder farmers a better livelihood through developing local and international organic markets. The increase in agricultural production benefits rural communities, thus the farmers. Thousands of smallholder farmers get a premium price for their organic crop. In general, yields increase because of the better practices. They get a more transparent price setting from the exporter who buys more directly and they are paid cash in hand.

Participating countries were given the opportunity to increase and diversify their exports, while at the same time the agricultural sector was exposed to innovative and environmentally sound farming techniques.

EPOPA worked with different types of exporters like co-operative unions, local and expatriate entrepreneurs and subsidiaries of international trading houses. Most projects lasted 3-years with participation of large groups of smallholders that are organized by the exporters, with assistance from EPOPA technical consultants.

EPOPA also developed flanking activities like setting up of domestic certification bodies, providing training to a wider public, and linking up with national networks to provide a solid basis for the organic sectors in the countries.

 


EXAMPLES OF ASSISTANCE

  • Management assistance
  • Staff training
  • Field officer training in organic agriculture and extension
  • Farmer mobilisation, techniques and inputs
  • Providing seeds to farmers
  • Technical consultancy
  • Product quality management
  • Market surveys and buyer contacts
  • Participation in organic trade shows
  • Project presentations and brochures
  • Development and revision of Internal Control System

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The EPOPA experience

Organic Exports - a way to a better life?

EPOPA experience

 

 

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