Can cultural understanding, strong relational values, and effective communication, create stronger, longer lasting, strategic alliances in agribusiness?

Wanjiku Kiarie, Prithika Mohan, Daniel Mogere, Wairimu Muthike, Zeena Oberoi, Laura Schun

SECTOR

Agriculture

PROJECT TYPE

Qualitative research

DOI

doi.org/10.62372/FPRE5689

Location

East Africa

BEHAVIORAL THEME

Collaboration | Competition

OVERVIEW

Strengthening strategic alliances between smallholder farmers and agribusiness by emphasizing cultural understanding, strong relational values and effective communication. In which we scanned the prevailing collaboration landscape in agriculture in East Africa, understanding cooperation strategies through a review of existing literature and key informant interviews to create a framework that guides partners on the ground by incorporating essential elements such as cultural understanding, strong relational values, and effective communication.

THEMATIC AREAS

After a thorough review of available literature, we shared a preliminary framework aimed at initiating partnerships and evaluating existing frameworks. To evaluate the framework in the context of partnerships in East Africa, we developed an IDI guide and a checklist for KIIs. We had an interview with the Agri-Consortium and IShamba to understand better their experience with partnerships and learnings they could share. Lastly, to refine and disseminate the findings, we have conducted a co-design workshop with a selection of key stakeholders from Busara and CIAT.