DevPact was retained to analyse how the COVID-19 pandemic affected market access and financing for SMEs in six value chains (poultry, aquaculture, beans, sesame, vegetables, dairy) in six countries (Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, and Nepal). Our analysis highlighted how SME agribusiness operations had changed pre- and post COVID and how this had an impact on investment decisions. Aspects such as labour supply disruptions, depressed market demand and increased phytosanitary requirements were identified as the major challenges faced by SME agribusiness because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Post analysis, we provided recommendations on how investor supporting stakeholders could facilitate investment readiness amongst SMEs sourcing from smallholder farmers in view of COVID-19 impacts, drawing on the data and analysis from the six value chains in the target countries. Key recommendations included supporting increased use of digital technology (e-commerce and digital financial services) and reviewing loan pricing during the pandemic.

Partner: CABI, https://www.cabi.org/

Link to report click here