Evaluation of the USAID-Kosovo SME and Agriculture - Economic ...

Development Associates, Inc.IMPLEMENTATIONIFDC/KFPP utilizes a cluster-based model to ensure the consistent delivery of high qualityanimal feed ingredients by farmers to agri-processors and by agri-processors to poultryproducers. The feed grain and poultry project operates in five geographical areas where maizeproduction is established, where climatic conditions are favorable to soybeans and sunflowerproduction, and where there is a demand for grain and oilseed meal by local feed mills andpoultry producers. KFPP established field trials for the three introduced crops within thedesignated areas and conducted on-farm field days. The project links agri-input suppliers,farmers, poultry producers, and feed mills to create a production-processing chain that aims toprovide quality products at a competitive price locally and regionally. IFDC also supports policyreform by working closely with Kosovo Dealers of Agro-inputs Association (KODAA) andSHPUK associations to strengthen member participation on policy issues and in advocacy forreforms.IFDC/KFPP began February 17, 2003 working with:Input suppliersSurveying and conducting seminars with the selected cluster members and developing contractsbetween the suppliers and farmers. KFPP continued trials of feed grains on project test plots.IFDC/KFPP assisted sourcing selected inputs, financing bulk purchases and importation anddistribution training. It focused on identifying KODAA members willing to import necessaryseed, feed grains, and fertilizers for the project. Field days and training sessions were used toensure understanding of the technology packages. KBS collaborates by providing businessplanning sessions to support the benefits of the new technologies. The project worked with localseed producers in the multiplication of proven varieties. Market information was disseminatedthrough news media, newsletters and the cluster association’s networks.Feed grain productionThe project moved to training farmers in proper agronomic practices, the cost benefits of the newtechnology and monitoring crop development through field days and individual visits. Contractswere signed between farmers and millers. Quality control was exercised by testing of nutritionalcontent of feed grains produced by proven technologies against imported competition. Theproject assisted successful farmers in financing lease or purchase of optimal inputs andmachinery, assisted with business plans, partnership arrangements and bank credit applications.Feed Milling & Poultry FarmingThe team identified Kosovo Association of Poultry Producers and Feed Manufacturers (SHPUK)members who would be interested in serving as a focal point for one of the 5 cluster groups. Theselected farmers in these clusters would be interested in contracting with the feed mills to plantmaize, sunflowers and/or soybeans. They also identified poultry producers interested incontracting with the feed mills to purchase the locally produced feed for their poultry operations.IFDC/KFPP concluded forward supply contracts between millers and arable and poultry farmers.The project team reviewed existing feed mills for adequate feed storage and whether dryingfacilities were available or possible. They looked into the possibility of setting up extrusionEvaluation of the USAID/Kosovo SME 93 May 2004and Agriculture/Agribusiness ProgramsVolume I