A crowding-in case study from Uganda

A case study on crowding-in in Uganda outlining the ways in which target firms supported by market facilitation projects are triggering behavioural change in non-target firms.

By examining three different value chains, (two of which are commodity chains, and the third a supply chain village outreach programme carried out by retailers) this study focuses on how target firms are sharing their market facilitation experiences with non-target firms to induce systemic change.

Main findings

• Crowding-in is proving to be successful in these particular markets. Other firms are learning about its impact and adapting it to their own needs on account of the publicity it is receiving not only from the target firms, but through wider networks and broader, national cooperatives in which they also operate.
• This shows that the process does not rely only on simple replication, but shared learning and adaptation. Many organisations that were not targeted by the project have challenged its linear processes and uncovered innovative solutions to improve farmer production and profits.

Intervention description

The crowding in intervention aims to create systemic changing by improving the quality of farmers produce and industry as a whole through the provision of training and access to equipment for targeted firms in cooperation with firms not targeted by market facilitation programmes. The intervention seeks to provide farmers with access to quality supplies to improve the quality of their agricultural produce.

Evidence methodology

• This case study made use of qualitative research methods to gain an understanding of the ways in which owners and managers share and receive information on business models. Findings are informed through interviews with key informants in both targeted and non-targeted firms.

Useful for:

For researchers and practitioners wanting to gain an understanding of the crowding-in process. It also offers a perspective on how projects can grow, but not necessarily following a non-linear trajectory, and the circumstances that most commonly lead to behavioural change.