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Addressing growth challenges in Afghanistan's livestock sectors
Prime is proud to be working with Afghan agri-businesses to address longstanding growth challenges in the country’s poultry, small ruminant, dairy and other livestock sectors.
It is doing this through supporting the development of several “anchor firms”, identified as having potential to engage positively with external assistance.
The ultimate aim of the three-year Afghanistan Value Chains–Livestock (AVC-L) project is to leave behind self-sufficient companies, says Prime Middle East and Africa Director Alpha Kennedy.
“It is envisioned the long-term success of these anchor firms will underpin future growth and bring direct benefits to thousands of rural households,” he says.
AVC-L is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is being implemented by a consortium led by USA-based firm DAI.
Prime is bringing technical depth and resources to the project, in conjunction with Texas A&M University, particularly in relation to food safety, processing, private sector business acumen and livestock product marketing.
It has employed eight members of the Afghan community as Portfolio Managers to work with anchor firms across all four of Afghanistan’s economic zones.
Mr Kennedy says the Portfolio Managers assess what the anchor firms require and help design the support packages for AVC-L to put in place to help them achieve sustained growth. For example, depending on the sector, a support package might include technical expertise from an expert in honey production or a specialist in dairy processing.
“The Portfolio Managers provide a bridge between the anchor firms and the rest of the AVC-L, providing valuable communications and coordination.”
Dr Alan Pearson, Prime’s Group Chairman, says it's a real pleasure to have the opportunity to work closely with emerging Afghan businesses to help them grow and add value to their communities and the Afghanistan economy.
“A strong private sector is fundamental to the country’s economic security and social wellbeing. Prime’s Afghan team is leading the way in helping these businesses develop and we are very proud of them and their achievements.”
