Project description / objective
UHBDP aims to facilitate systems change in the horticulture sector in Ukraine through improved:
- market linkages
- production methods
- post-harvest handling capabilities
- access to financial resources in Ukraine
The project will enable 44,000 women and men operating as small and medium farmers, agri-businesses, and small and medium enterprises in the targeted sector to overcome market barriers and participate in well-functioning market systems.
Market system focus
The project is focusing on the horticulture sector's:
- low production volume
- weak access to markets
- a range of market barriers for farmers and SMEs, such as isolation and distance to markets
MEDA will incentivise private sector partners to integrate farmers into export value chains while assisting them to meet standards in:
- post-harvest handling
- traceability
- food safety and quality assurance
- cold chain storage
- transport and logistics
Programme interventions
Intervention 1
Facilitate the linking of smallholder farmers to higher value markets through aggregation techniques and private sector partnerships.
Intervention 2
Engage stakeholders through adaptive management using forums and seminars, leading to forward linkages in the horticultural sector.
Intervention 3
Organise and facilitate capacity-building of service providers through a variety of training, mentoring and technical assistance methods. Foster peer-to-peer learning habits as a sustainable mechanism.
Intervention 4
Provide incentives, such as vouchers/coupons, with input suppliers to promote the use of appropriate technologies and encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
Notable results (systemic change, poverty impact)
- As of November 2017 project activities saw a total sales volume of 13,437 metric tonnes, resulting in approximately USD $1.5 million in sales.
- 67 aggregators consolidated crops on 1,024 hectares through 384 aggregations.
- From April - September 2017 UHBDP held 353 'knowledge events' - 22 training events and 123 seminars. There was a total of 8,659 participants (49 per cent female / 52 per cent male) - they will transfer production and harvest knowledge aimed at increasing agricultural revenues as well as saving time and money.