This strategy document is the first in a series of eight documents designed to address the entrepreneurial development needs of institutions that support rural communities. This first document in the series provides an overview of the components that make up the agro-enterprise process. The list of titles in this series now includes: (i) Strategy paper, (ii) Developing partnerships and Joint planning, (iii) A Market facilitator's Guide, (iv) Market opportunity identification, (v) Market chain analysis and Enterprise planning, (vi) Collective Marketing, (vii) Strengthening Business Development Services (viii) Advocating for improved marketing and trade policies. 30 p. 21.5 x 28 cm. 

Keywords: Rural areas; Agroindustrial sector; Development projects; Rural communities; Rural development; Methods; Markets; Prices; Marketing; Market research; Partnerships; Latin America; Africa; Asia

Territorial Approach to Rural Agro-enterprise Development: Identifying and Assessing Market Opportunities for Small-Scale Rural Producers. Manual 2. This guide is the third in a series of documents designed to address the entrepreneurial development needs of institutions that support rural communities. The guide provides a participatory method for identifying new marketing opportunities based on specific agro-enterprise selection criteria, production needs, marketing needs and profitability. Using rapid marketing analyses methods a systematic method for data collection, the process aims to promote diversification from low value undifferentiated goods into higher value, or valued added products. This method is novel in that it offer users an objective means of selecting a "most marketable" product from a basket of many options. This avoids the more conventional approach of selecting a product for farmer groups based on production levels within an area or on traditional production histories. This guide manual was the first to be published by the rural agro-enterprise project and was originally published in Spanish in 1992. It was translated into English in 1995 and has been used as training material in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Now extensively updated, this edition combines new information on methods for incorporating market research, product concept evaluation, and business analysis techniques within a practical, innovative approach for identifying market opportunities for smallholder producers. The final output of this manual is a detailed market analysis which prioritises products in terms of their attractiveness for agro-enterprise development. The prioritized list is proposed to farmers for their selection as a product for more detailed market chain analysis. 144 p. 21.5 x 27 cm. Also available in Spanish. 

Keywords: Market research; Small farms; Marketing; Teaching materials; Planning; Data processing; Agroindustrial development; Participatory research; Latin America

This book is based on experiences with "scaling up and out" presented at CIAT's 2002 Annual Review by the Center's scientists and partners. This new approach to agricultural research and development (R&D) aims to ensure that R&D activities achieve widespread, lasting, and positive impact on the rural poor in terms of sustainability and equity. Through various case studies, the book discusses issues such as how to achieve widespread impact with R&D results, tools, institutionalizing successful procedures, and innovation and its sustainability. 293 p. 16.5 x 23 cm. 

Keywords: Manihot esculenta; Phaseolus vulgaris; Research; Watershed management; Soil management; Natural resources; Resource management; Rural development; Pest control; Integrated control; Technological changes; Innovation adoption; Decision making; Planning; Case studies; Community involvement; Cassava; Beans; Participatory research; Research impact; Philippines; Latin America; Caribbean; Africa

ISBN:958-694-064-0

The Rural Agroenterprise Development Project (RAD) has developed this Information System by compiling data on technical and economic aspects of processing cassava, raw materials inputs, processing machinery, the design of processing plants, and investment costs. The information was collected through the work of CIAT and CIRAD and through that of other organizations that also work to develop the cassava crop. The information is grouped into four areas: the crop, postharvest handling, processing and utilization, and information resources. 

Keywords: Manihot esculenta; Information systems; Harvesting; Processing; Postharvest technology; Deterioration; Storage; Uses; Cassava; Agroindustry; Colombia

[CD-II International Course on Promoting Rural Agroenterprise for Sustainable Microregional Development: Proceedings] In recent years, substantial changes have occurred in the approach to agricultural and rural development, shifting from increased production of food and agroindustrial raw materials to alleviation of rural poverty and environmental conservation. Rural agroenterprise, conceived as a mechanism to adapt agricultural and livestock production to market requirements, is growing in importance. This CD-ROM compiles the presentations, works based on field visits, successful experiments, support material, and exercises developed during the course. The course is based on five modules: Rural Development: Challenges and Opportunities; Local Consensus-Building for Development; Promoting Agroindustrial Development; Designing Better Agroindustrial Projects; and Building on Our Experiences. The CD-ROM presents methodological and conceptual approaches, and business orientation tools. It will permit people and institutions linked with agroenterprise to make correct decisions and/or design and implement rural agroindustrial projects within the context of sustainable microregional development. 1 CD-ROM.  

Keywords: Agroindustrial complexes; Sustainability; Rural development; Decision making; Training

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