Income-Generating Activities - Action Against Hunger

Field handbook • Scientific and Technical Department
ii. Construction and renovation of markets
To find a solution to the lack of spaces for exchange, especially when a constant
demand and supply of the products and services exist, a physical market space can be
constructed. This initiative is comparable to the installation of a shop (case mentioned
in section II.I ii.), that is, the market will have to be constructed and put into operation
with a focus on the generation of income, at least to cover its maintenance.
The physical location of the market and the conditions regarding space and security
are essential factors in the design of the structure. To manage the market the existence
or formation of a trained group is necessary. The local authorities may be
interested in this type of activity, as it could be a source of regular tax income.
iii. Creation of networks and commercial contacts
Solutions for commercialization problems are not always found in the creation of
new physical spaces for exchange. Information, knowledge of existing commercial channels,
and technical support to establish stable relationships with businesspeople and
traders, can be the most useful resources when local demand for a product is insufficient
but there are other sales opportunities elsewhere, or in cases where it is not viable to
construct a market due to a lack of adequate space, or lack of management capacity.
The establishment of interest groups can improve commercial relationships where
IGA with similar or complementary characteristics are being promoted, connecting the
producers of primary materials to those processing them. Through the spread of information
and the exchange of experiences between beneficiaries, relationships can
be developed that reinforce the position of the products in the market, for example,
by selling together, or by exchanging products or value-added services between IGA.
Example 25: Networking between IGA in Georgia
The strategy of the ACF mission in Georgia to promote IGA groups is structured
in three phases. The first and second phases are directed towards the creation and
consolidation of the income generating activities. The third and last phase, as well
as offering specific training for each group, can include the creation of networks
between the activities.
By August 2005, 14 interest groups had united 47 IGA of the Samegrelo and Abkhasia
regions in a voluntary process. The networks were created by beneficiaries who
considered them an advantage for carrying out certain tasks in coordination with
other IGA. After several working sessions, the interest groups designed work plans
together. Some of the proposed initiatives included actions to improve their production
and planning of the development of commercial activities through the installation
of stores managed by the interest group, the unification of all production
for combined sales and the organisation of publicity campaigns.
INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES: A KEY CONCEPT IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURTIY
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