How can we regulate agricultural inputs using the power of markets?
// Field Research, Strategy
// Winner, Consulting Magazine's Excellence in Social and Community Investment Award
THE CHALLENGE
Fake agricultural inputs - including seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides - are ubiquitous in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, and pose significant risk to smallholder farmers' health, safety, and livelihood. The Gates Foundation was interested in how they might help design a sustainable, market-based intervention to cut down on counterfeiting and improve the livelihood of small holder farmers in the region.
Project: Market-Based Solutions to Counterfeiting in the Sub-Saharan Agricultural Inputs Sector
Context: Research and solution assessment prepared for the Gates Foundation, in collaboration with Monitor Deloitte
THE PROCESS
Assessed 40+ value chains, taking into account relevance to smallholder farmers, commercial attractiveness, and prevalence of counterfeiting
Conducted in-field market research in Ghana and Uganda to further understand the extent and root causes of counterfeiting in these geographies
Shared findings at a convening of 30+ key stakeholders in the sector in Nairobi
Assessed six leading anti-counterfeit solutions that were successful in order industries, and shortlisted promising and feasible interventions
Evaluated the technological enabling environment to understand key requirements to scale solutions across sub-Saharan Africa
Designed a pilot implementation roadmap and path forward
