Partnerships between producer organizations (POs) and enterprises are promoted as a model for structuring value chains to integrate small producers more equitably and sustainably. They offer attractive opportunities, especially for smallholder producers and their organizations. However, they also pose risks, and failures still occur frequently. The lessons learned from capitalizing on four recent experiences (Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya and Senegal) provide food for thought to improve the design and implementation of partnerships between POs and enterprises that are genuinely win-win for both parties.

This publication is based mainly on lessons learned from four experiences capitalized by Inter-reseaux (in Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya and Senegal). It was enriched by observations from a review of documentation and contributions by a working group on private sector coordinated by Inter-réseaux Développement rural.

This capitalization is part of the cycle of reflection and work coordinated by Inter-réseaux on the topic of private sector involvement in African agriculture. You can read about all the Inter-réseaux activities on this topic HERE.