AEC is an interactive curriculum that empowers smallholder farmers to take a market-driven, commercial approach to their farming activities. The farmers participate in role-playing, simulation, and other exercises to practice business concepts, experiment, take risks, and use creative problem-solving techniques. They apply lessons learned from these activities to develop a business plan for their farming businesses that can be immediately implemented upon completion of the course. Concepts covered include: farm business cycles, record keeping, planning farm business, purchasing decisions, group membership, monitoring production costs, basic cash flow, assessing costs and benefits, and savings and credit. The experiential nature of the materials allows for adaptation to locally appropriate practices, behaviors, and value chains.