Training provides individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs effectively. It helps organisations to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies, trends, and best practices in their fields. In addition, training helps to improve productivity and job satisfaction. When individuals are trained properly, they are more confident in their abilities and are better equipped to handle their responsibilities. This results in increased productivity and job satisfaction, which in turn leads to a more motivated and engaged workforce. This is a strong motivation for the Policy Prioritisation through Value Chain Analysis (PPVCII) training organised by the African Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI). This training is in support of efforts to build the capacity of experts in the network to undertake good research for policymaking, towards attaining agricultural transformation in Africa. The project which is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for a period of 5 years will train ANAPRI members drawn from their centres in Benin, DRC, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as collaboration with other organisations.
The training which is being facilitated by International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) and in collaboration with SUA and Tegemeo Institute is aimed at equipping experts in our centres to identify and prioritize policies that will have the greatest impact in Africa’s food system. The PPVC process involves analyzing the various stages of the value chain, including inputs, production, distribution, and marketing, to identify areas where policy interventions can have the greatest impact. This analysis can help policymakers identify which policies are most effective and efficient in achieving their goals.
The first part of the training which took place virtually on the 27th -29th March 2023 had in attendance over 90 attendees from the different ANAPRI centres. The next phase of the training is an in-person training scheduled for 8th-12th May 2023, at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Research centers and institutes often play an important role in informing and shaping policy. By understanding PPVC, they can provide policymakers with more targeted and effective policy recommendations. This can help to ensure that policy interventions are better aligned with the needs of the industry or sector, leading to effective approaches to policymaking that leads to sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Undoubtedly, the PPVC training program is like a suit of armour for our research centres. It will fortify their ability to understand the value chain and contribute meaningfully to policy formulation.
