Farmers Training Entrepreneurship Manual

The entrepreneurship training presented in this manual is aimed at building the capacity of smallholder farmers in CA and AF thereby enhancing CGIAR’s Systems priority 3(Reducing rural poverty through agricultural diversification and emerging opportunities for high-value commodities and products) Priority 4 (Reducing extreme poverty and hunger) MDG 7 (Environmental sustainability and MDG 3 (Reducing the gender disparity). The development of this training manual is based on our experience and the extensive feedback received from different segments of entrepreneurs and trainers. The methodologies suggested here are being practised successfully in many fields. Efforts have been made to provide some significant information on the contents of each session. However, in the ever-changing economic scenario and information explosion, it is inevitable for the trainee to build upon the skills, update, give value addition and use the information here-in effectively to achieve the objectives.

This manual is specifically designed to help train actual and potential farm mechanization service providers, in order to increase access to sustainable farm power to raise the productivity of smallholder farmers. It focuses on two crucial aspects: the provision of farm mechanization services as a viable business opportunity for entrepreneurs, and the essential criteria of raising productivity in an environmentally sensitive and responsible way i.e. that includes conservation agriculture. Practical guidance on the essential business development and management skills required to successfully run a mechanization service provision business are presented, with a focus on the equipment required to offer services compatible with conservation agriculture. The manual will be of particular interest to policymakers’ intent on achieving sustainable intensification in the agricultural sector. It is also a valuable resource for trainers charged with increasing the supply of well-trained and well-equipped entrepreneurial mechanization service providers through the implementation of training courses tailored to the specific course locations.

The agriculture sector around the world has experienced profound changes in recent years. This unique and path-breaking Handbook draws together the best current research in the area of entrepreneurship in agriculture, food production and rural development. Agriculture policy reforms have impacted farm incomes, while demand side changes have required the development of sophisticated market driven strategies. Farmers have demonstrated uneven abilities to adapt and adjust to these ongoing changes. The ability and propensity of farmers to engage in entrepreneurial behaviors is a key explanation of the different patterns of responses within the sector. This book examines these issues through three main themes. The first theme focuses on the firm and the individual entrepreneurs, exploring entrepreneurship within the farm sector. The second takes a sector and industry perspective, exploring new developments in food production and distribution systems. The third theme explores the inter-relationship between agricultural entrepreneurship and its spatial context. Contributions are drawn from international research settings (Scandinavia, Europe, Asia, North America, Australasia) and offer an interdisciplinary approach to the subject. This astute Handbook, which will challenge and enrich the current literature, will appeal to academics in entrepreneurship, small business studies, agriculture, rural studies, rural sociology and agricultural economics, as well as food industry economists, policymakers and all those interested in supporting agricultural and rural businesses.

A lot is being said these days about farmers becoming ‘entrepreneurs’. But what is entrepreneurship? What does it take to be entrepreneurial? How can an entrepreneurial behaviour be created and sustained? How can entrepreneurial skills be developed? How do entrepreneurial farmers respond to the changing farming environment? What strategies do they use? What actions do they take? And how can extension workers help farmers develop entrepreneurial capacity?

Transform your pastime into your livelihood. If your sweet corn is tall, your brood of chickens is beautiful, and your half-dozen goats give delicious milk, then you know firsthand the rewards of running a small farm. But what if you could turn that Do-It-Yourself hobby into a long-term source of regular income? Nurturing a healthy harvest is only half the battle--what you really need to know is how to create a successful and sustainable business. In The Farm to Market Handbook, veteran dairy-goat farmer Janet Hurst combines her deep knowledge of farming life and farmers' markets with her hard-won experience turning farm products into a living wage. From CSAs and weekly markets to school programs and local chefs, Hurst guides you through every type of market available to small farmers. She explains how you can develop a realistic marketing plan, provides a breakdown of the food laws and regulations you'll need to be aware of, and offers insider tips on how to be a successful businessperson. Through enlightening interviews with producers around the country who speak of their successes - and their failures - this book takes a look at some of the nation's top markets and analyzes why they have thrived where others have not. So if you've ever wondered how to get started selling your produce, entertained the idea of raising meat goats, or wanted to spread the word about your homegrown honey, you should read The Farm to Market Handbook and figure out how to put money in your pockets.

Our roots lie in farming, yet we abandoned them in pursuit of white-collar jobs, solely relying on oil for sustenance. However, we must face the reality and confront the challenges head-on. The era of oil has faded into the past, and today, certain agricultural products hold a higher value than oil itself. Farming stands as the most reliable, noble, and indispensable occupation. In Africa, unemployment and underemployment rates soar, accompanied by severe food shortages. Astonishingly, over $35 billion USD is spent on importing food in a continent blessed with fertile lands and favorable climates. The glaring gap between food demand and supply makes agriculture an imperative, not only in Africa but also in Nigeria. This book stands as a modest contribution towards igniting and sustaining the agricultural revolution. It calls for agriculture to be treated as an industry that requires careful nurturing, rather than being left at the mercy of unpredictable weather or indifferent agricultural policies. It beckons upon farmers to rise as entrepreneurs, embracing the transformative power of agriculture. Furthermore, it challenges everyone, especially the youth, to shift their focus from pursuing elusive white-collar jobs and instead explore the vast potential of farming. "The Farming Entrepreneur" portrays farming as more than just a traditional occupation; it is a thriving business opportunity. While you don't need any special expertise to embark on this journey, you do need a guiding light. This book serves as that invaluable guide, leading you through the intricate world of modern farming. Discover the secrets of successful farming, unlock the potential of your land, and capitalize on the bountiful opportunities that agriculture presents. Learn how to navigate the challenges, seize the benefits of technology, and adopt sustainable practices. "The Farming Entrepreneur" empowers you to transform your farm into a profitable enterprise, providing nourishment not only for yourself but also for your community and beyond. It's time to revolutionize agriculture, viewing it as a prosperous industry that fuels economic growth and ensures food security. Embrace the call of the land, become an agricultural entrepreneur, and reap the rewards of a fulfilling and prosperous farming venture.