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.
Agricultural Enterprise Curriculum (AEC)
Duration
Language
Outcomes
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Enhanced knowledge and awareness of basic business concepts that maximize profits and improve production
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Understanding of the broader context of different agricultural value chain actors
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Adoption of practical methods and techniques for planning, income projection, risk assessment, debt management, savings, and profit maximization – allowing farmers to move from subsistence to commercial farming practices
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Improved skills in the areas of financial management (including cash flow), record-keeping, and market analysis
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Formulation of individual action plans to implement the skills and knowledge gained
Key Features
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Business simulation
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Hands-on practice of business concepts in idea identification, planning and record management
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Business plan development
Audience
Agricultural value chain actors, including:
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Producers
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Agricultural processors
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Input suppliers
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Input distributors
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Wholesale traders