Session 4: Presentation 4: CRS Experience - Support to Agro-Enterprise Development in Nghe An Province (Vietnam)

Session 4: Marketing Concepts, Strategies and Intermediation Models

CRS Experience - Support to Agro-Enterprise Development in Nghe An Province (Vietnam)
Ms. Chu Thi Mai Anh, Agricultural & Rural Enterprise Development Project Officer, Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

The CRS has partnered with the Province of Nghe An to promote a territory approach to agro-enterprise development. This means that the project needs to 1) be implemented through the Government administration structure; 2) improve the skills and knowledge of government staff in promoting market oriented production; 3) promote ownership and sustainability; and 4) aim for policy improvement for poverty alleviation through agro-enterprise development.

Following the 5 processes/steps for agro-enterprise development, the project has strengthened the ability of government agencies in promoting agro-enterprise development and project management. It has also contributed to more diversified agricultural products and improved the lives of target communities (through more jobs, value-added, increase incomes and reduced environmental and health issues)

It is important to note the role that the mass organization of farmers play: they are directly involved as members of the project committee and they are instrumental in helping change the mindset of farmers (i.e. in building relationships with the farmers and informing them about the benefits of collective farming). As a collective group, farmers plan together, establish their own regulations and penalties for violations, and develop contracts that specify quality, quantity, time of delivery, etc. This needs to be sustained.


The support to promote agro-enterprises needs to continue beyond the project. This can be done through transfer of knowledge to government staff and encouraging learning-by-doing. While NGOs are taking on a more forward role becoming entrepreneurs, there is a need to enable farmers to respond to the market and make their own decisions (be entrepreneurs as well).

Download CRS Experience ASIADHRRA LSFM.ppt