JAA was an implementing partner in identifying and documenting the role of lead private sector agribusiness firms in assisting rapidly expanding SMEs. The project investigated how lead private sector firms/organizations can create a market for local sourcing and use backward linkages through intermediaries to support SME producers supplying semi-processed or raw material. The project identified 6 case studies, which will be analyzed and published in December 2017.
The study included an extensive literature review and meta analysis. The team then targeted 6 representative case studies. JAA carried out two of the case studies: of SMEs involved in the olive oil industry in Palestine, and their connections with international lead firms; and of Alqueria Dairy, a leading Colombian agribusiness, and its network of SME partners. JAA also conducted the literature review, partnered in the meta analysis, drafted the Guidance Notes, and co-wrote the study summary.