2 SCALE Highlights 2021
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Date
2021
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Abstract
The 2SCALE project faced significant challenges in 2021 due to COVID-19, political instability, and insecurity in Ethiopia, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These issues affected program implementation and hindered the operations of program actors at various levels. Despite these challenges, the program achieved significant progress and met most of its targets for the year. The program established 62 active public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the field, with multi-year Partnership Agreements signed between business champions and IFDC (on behalf of 2SCALE consortium members). Four pilot partnerships were initiated in South Sudan and Egypt, focusing on post-conflict areas and private sector development in favorable agribusiness environments. A mid-term review (MTR) was conducted to assess the program's processes and results, leading to valuable insights and recommendations for program improvement. A post-monitoring evaluation of Phase 1 PPPs demonstrated that 80% of the partnerships were still active, and 60% of the business champions were experiencing growth and expanding their operations. To strengthen PPPs and achieve program targets, 2SCALE engaged with six supportive partners to introduce innovation, quality inputs, and successful financial models. Collaborations were established with organizations such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and CARE Netherlands to enhance support for business champions and smallholder farmers. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the program organized a team-building event in Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire, following strict COVID-19 protocols. This event boosted team spirit and reinforced the program's strategy for increased impact in 2022. Thus, the 2SCALE program overcame numerous obstacles and achieved notable milestones in 2021, including the formalization of all active PPPs, initiation of pilot partnerships, mid-term assessments, emphasis on Agribusiness Clusters (ABCs), sub-sector change idea implementation, and successful private sector contributions. The program's efforts increased BoP consumers' inclusion in the food system, improved market access for smallholder farmers, adoption of eco-friendly practices, and overall progress toward its impact indicators.
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COVID-19, Agribusiness, Public-Private Partnerships