Abstract

This grant will examine the feasibility of developing a technology transfer and agribusiness development centre for new "commodity-focussed" business opportunities for farmers and other rural community suppliers. The goal of the proposed centre is to enable farmers to add value to primary production and access external markets for three types of commodities: essential oils, pharmaceuticals and tropical food products. The proposed strategy will involve: allowing business investors to identify potential markets and products; applying short-term public or donor funding to mobilize producers and subsidize the cost of developing the first series of commodity-based business opportunities; providing all inputs required to routinely identify and take advantage of new market opportunities; and devising an institutional and legal framework that can accommodate public and private investment, expandable equity participation by suppliers, and distribution of profits between returns to shareholders and reinvestment in new opportunities.

Recipient Institution(s)