Boosting the emergence of SMEs in the domestic food sector in developing and transition countries
Background
With a rapidly increasing urban demand for food, the domestic food sector in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is facing a major challenge. Though often competing with cheap imports, satisfying the growing demand represents a big opportunity. Under the pressure of globalization, the food sector will have to keep up with new quality standards and demands for diversity. In LMICs, besides an emerging formal private sector, there is a large informal sector that offers untapped opportunities.
Objectives
To accompany development initiatives of SDC and other stakeholders, to generate practicable, adapted and innovative answers to specific problems occurring at local level. Main areas for improvement are quality management, value chain organization, governance and management inclusive of the poor, small and medium enterprise development and policy frameworks that support local food processing and marketing.
Expected Benefits
- Target countries: The research will provide essential information to the development stakeholders to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their development initiatives. This research will also foster the involvement of the private sector in development initiatives.
- In Switzerland: for Swiss enterprises, the emergence of SMEs in developing economies may lead to partnerships, access to markets (on both sides) and exchange of knowhow.
Contact Information
Dominique Guenat: ; phone: +41 31 910 21 74
Bern University of Applied Sciences: School of Agriculture, Forest and Food Sciences, HAFL www.bfh.ch/hafl/