BANANA AGRI-CHAIN COMPETITIVENESS ENHANCEMENT (B-ACE)

USAID IGP Microenterprise Development, 2006-2009


The goal of the program is to enhance the competitiveness of the processed cardava/banana chips industry both in the local and domestic markets while promoting broad-based growth that involves and benefits the poor in a sustained way.



The B-ACE program takes on a threefold challenge:

a) improving the competitiveness of the processed cardava/banana chips in global and local markets:

b) promoting the gainful and sustainable participation of farmers and micro enterprises and smallholders in the value chain (depth of benefits); and

c) increasing the participation (number) of micro enterprises and growers in the value chain.

Interventions are focused on the following competitiveness issues:

a) Promotion of win-win relationships;

b) improvement of capacity and capability to comply with quality and food safety standards;

c) productivity and efficiency improvements including alignment of supply and demand of fresh cardava;

d) product differentiation and diversification;

e) functional upgrading; and

f) market promotion