Enhancing the Competitiveness of Selected Commodity Systems through
Integrated and Coordinated Technical Cooperation
Predominant Lines of Action of the 2010-2014 MTP
Innovation for Productivity and Competitiveness:
Line 5, Regional and international cooperation for technology innovation
Agribusiness and Commercialization:
Line 1, Linking producers to markets including small scale producers
Level: Country
National
The problem
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, in close collaboration with stakeholders in the agricultural sector, has identified a number of agricultural commodities which will be assigned priority for development of the agricultural sector and the attainment of national food security objectives in the medium term. However, the development of these priority commodities has been adversely affected over the years by a cross section of constraints which have been addressed in isolation of each other with limited results. It is widely accepted that a more integrated and coordinated approach to commodity development based on the adoption of appropriate technology, the application of sound agribusiness management approaches, such as value chain approach and the adherence to Good Agricultural Practices and food safety and market access standards are required in an effort to realize the sustained and accelerated development of competitiveness commodity systems. The project seeks to mobilize technical cooperation to address the key constraints to development of the commodity systems and promote and encourage a more integrated and coordinated approach to commodity development.
General objective
To facilitate the sustained development and increased competitiveness of selected commodities by mobilizing technical cooperation in an integrated and coordinated manner to address key constraints.
Specific objectives
1. To enhance the capacity of stakeholders in the agri-food sector to undertake commodity systems analyses (including value chain analysis) and to effectively formulate commodity development plans and strategies;
2. To assist stakeholders in the conduct of commodity systems analyses including value chain analyses, feasibility and pre-investment studies and in the preparation of commodity/industry development plans and strategies;
3. To facilitate the adoption of more integrated and coordinated support for the delivery of technical cooperation for the development and enhanced competitiveness of selected commodities;
4. To mobilize and provide direct technical cooperation based on IICA’s areas of competence to address the key constraints affecting the development of selected commodities.
Beneficiaries
Commodity/Producer Organizations (Trinidad and Tobago Agribusiness Association –TTABA-), stakeholders along the value chain for selected commodities including MFPLMA
Duration
4 years (2011 – 2014)
Description of activities, outputs, results, and achievement indicators
Specific objective 1
To enhance the capacity of stakeholders in the agri-food sector to undertake commodity systems analyses (including value chain analysis) and to effectively formulate commodity development plans and strategies;
Activity
1. Conduct training programmes in commodity assessment methodologies (e.g value chain analysis,) and in preparation of commodity plans and strategies.
Outputs
1. Courses on commodity assessment methodologies,
2. Training materials, including manuals
3. Documents with commodity assessments including results of value chain analysis and commodity development plans and strategies
Expected results
Enhanced capacity among stakeholders to undertake commodity assessments and value chain analysis and prepare plans and strategies for commodity development
Achievement indicators
At least two (2) training courses delivered and 30 persons trained on an annual basis in VCA and preparation of commodity plans and strategies
Specific objective 2
To assist stakeholders in the conduct of commodity systems analyses including value chain analyses, feasibility and pre-investment studies and in the preparation of commodity/industry development plans and strategies;
Activity
Assist in the conduction of commodity assessments and analysis and preparation of feasibility studies, business plans,
Outputs
1. Reports with commodity assessments, value chain analysis, feasibility studies, business plans,
2. Plans of action and proposals for development and commercialization of selected commodities
Expected results
More informed decision making in both public and private sectors as this relates to support for and participation in competitive commodity value chains
Achievement indicators
Commodity assessment analyses/business plans/feasibility plans prepared for at least one commodity each year between 2011 – 2014
Specific objective 3
To facilitate the adoption of more integrated and coordinated support for the delivery of technical cooperation for the development and enhanced competitiveness of selected commodities;
Activity
Facilitation of dialogue and interaction between development partners and stakeholders on commodity development interventions
Outputs
1. Dialogue fora, meetings, consultations involving relevant development partners and stakeholders along the value chain
2. Agreed plans of action for coordinated and integrated delivery of technical cooperation
Expected results
More effective and efficient delivery of technical cooperation for the development of selected commodities
Achievement indicators
At least two meetings convened involving stakeholders along the value chain for selected commodities on an annual basis
Activity (2)
Promote the formation of clusters and increased dialogue and interaction between stakeholders along the value chain
Outputs
1. Dialogue platforms, clusters, associations of stakeholders
2. Agreed plans and strategies for development and increased competitiveness of selected commodities
Expected results
Enhanced cooperation among stakeholders along the value chain and within clusters leading to improved coordination and effectiveness in addressing commodity development
Achievement indicators
Support provided to at least two (2) clusters through the increased participation of stakeholders in programmmes to address constraints to development of selected commodities
Specific objective 4
To mobilize and provide direct technical cooperation based on IICA’s areas of competence to address the key constraints affecting the development of selected commodities.
Activity
To mobilize and deliver technical cooperation from the IICA system to address key constraints affecting the development of selected commodities
Outputs
1. Integrated IICA Technical cooperation programme targeted at development of selected commodities
2. Identification of specialized services, centres of excellence in relation to selected commodities
Expected results
Greater efficiency and effectiveness in the mobilization of technical cooperation from IICA targeted at specific commodities
Achievement indicators
At least one horizontal technical cooperation action completed annually and services of at least two (2) technical specialists secured annually in support of development of selected commodities
Comment: The project and its activities are linked to three instruments of technical cooperation, namely “Technical intermediation and mobilization of cooperation”, “Training in subjects related to IICA’s areas of competence” and “Direct Technical Cooperation” as these are applied to enhancing the competitiveness of selected commodity systems in Trinidad and Tobago. The project will be executed in close collaboration with Trinidad and Tobago Agribusiness Association (TTABA), the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO) the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT), Commodity Organizations, Producer Organizations, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), other development partners (FAO, CARDI, CARIRI, UWI,) and the MFPLMA.