Agro-processors in Grenada strengthened their governance capacity to improve competitiveness
Grenada, 6 August 2020: A small cooperative of women agro-processors strengthened their governance capacity using an organizational capacity assessment tool. This cooperative named Genesis produce jams, jellies and salad dressing using the pericarps from one of Grenada’s principal export crops, the nutmeg.
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are cognizant of the importance of good governance in achieving the goals of producer organizations. A project between IICA and FAO for the provisioning of Services for capacity building training for producer groups, identified Genesis for support in improving their organizational and governance capacity.
A variety of value-added products are being made by other processors from the nutmeg pericarps. The seed of the nutmeg is used worldwide as a flavouring in beverages and bakery items. Essential oils that have medicinal properties are also produced from the nutmeg seed. The agro-processors of Genesis produce other agricultural products to supplement their incomes whilst they try to improve market share for their nutmeg products.
An Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool (OCAT) was used to evaluate the organizational and governance capacity through deliberations among the seven executive members of Genesis. This evaluation was facilitated by Allister Glean, IICA’s International Specialist in Agribusiness and Value Chains.
The results of which will be used to identify relative values of organizational development weaknesses and determine interventions to address the problems. Both IICA and FAO will use the results of this assessment to help Genesis remedy the identified weaknesses going forward. The effectiveness of the specified actions will then be monitored to assess the progress of Genesis based on changes observed from one assessment to the next.
This is the second time that IICA has engaged Genesis and provided support in strengthening their technical and governance capacity. In 2018, IICA conducted a two-day workshop that strengthened the technical capacity of small-scale agro-processors, including Genesis. This workshop focused on how best to extend the shelf life of local fruits and vegetables of commercial importance in Grenada.
Derek Charles, National Specialist at IICA Grenada, commended the executive members of Genesis for being very candid in the assessment of their organization. This reflects the trust and appreciation of Genesis for the support provided by international agencies in assisting them to improve their organizational and technical capacity. The remedial actions identified from the assessment will enable their organization to become more competitive.
For more information contact:
Derek Charles, IICA specialist in Grenada