Creating Market Access: ActionAid Afghanistan's Farm-to-Market Initiatives
In a proactive effort to enhance market exposure and cultivate direct sales opportunities for local farmers, ActionAid, Afghanistan, recently took part in a three-day exhibition organized by the Ministry of Industry in Jalalabad city from 24th to 26th September 2024. The event, geared towards nurturing business relationships and bolstering the sustainability of agricultural interventions, achieved remarkable success.
At the exhibition, 10 dedicated booths were established for CBARD-ALL participants, featuring the notable presence of 2 female food processing entrepreneurs among the 10 producers showcasing their various products. These booths displayed an assortment of offerings, including fresh fruits, honey, fruit jams, pickles, and storage boxes - all produced utilizing the training and toolkits provided by CBARD-ALL, a project supported by UNDP Afg.
Visitors had the opportunity to sample fruits and vegetables grown in CBARD-ALL established orchards and greenhouses. The event attracted a diverse audience, comprising representatives from trading companies, key donors like UNDP, government officials from various departments, and national organizations engaged in agriculture and trade.
A total of 140 organizations and traders participated in the event, with 34 of them being female entrepreneurs. The exhibition also saw participation of international business entities.
Meena, a participant from Laghman province, expressed her appreciation, highlighting the crucial opportunities, these exhibitions provide to women who lack a stable income. She shared her delight in participating and successfully selling a substantial portion of her products during the event.
Participants like Mohammad Tawab Rafiq and Khoshhal Akramzai applauded the exhibition's positive impact on their businesses. Rafiq described the event as a game-changer, having achieved sales exceeding 15,000 AFN and securing promising deals for monthly supply contracts. Akramzai emphasized the newfound access to buyers and regions, having already sold approximately 12,000 AFN worth of products and established valuable connections for business expansion.
Beyond economic opportunities, the exhibition fostered a sense of community and empowerment among local farmers, paving the way for sustainable growth and development in the region.