International Development Grant
Value chains for economic growth
Project Number: CA-3-D002239001
Status: Operational
Country/Region:
Maximum Contribution: $19,000,000.00
Start Date: May 02, 2016
End Date: March 31, 2024
Duration: 7.9 years
Project Description
This project aims to increase sustainable employment and generate income by supporting micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Amhara region focusing on the rice vegetable and gemstone markets. Project activities include: (1) strengthening knowledge and skills of producers and business owners particularly women to understand business and market opportunities; (2) facilitating access to innovative techniques inputs and equipment to help producers and business owners increase productivity develop new products and reach new markets; (3) working with financial institutions to support producers suppliers and technology manufacturers in accessing finance to support increased productivity and business growth; and (4) contributing to an enabling gender-sensitive business and policy environment to facilitate growth in these sectors.
Expected Results
The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) improved business performance of producers particularly women to compete in the market; (2) improved business performance of MSMEs particularly women-led to create stronger market linkages; and (3) improved gender-sensitive business environment for fostering growth of producers and MSMEs in the rice vegetable and gemstone markets of the Amhara region of Ethiopia.
Progress & Results Achieved
Results achieved as of March 2023 include: (1) the project reached 16 066 (7 860 women) producers and benefitted 69 924 indirect clients; (2) the income of women increased by 72 % due to increased sales of rice and vegetable products associated with improved quality of produce and increased number of new customers; (3) based on the annual survey conducted MSMEs surveyed created more jobs (full-time part-time seasonal) as compared to the previous year which exceeds the end target 75%; (4) 97% of the project participants' income increased; and (5) participating MSMEs' revenue has increased by over 217%. These results contributed to improving the business performance of producers particularly women by enabling them to compete in the market and creating stronger market linkages. They have also contributed to more gender-sensitive business environments and fostered producers' growth.
Key Information
Executing Agency:
Mennonite Economic DevelopmentAssociates of Canada
Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada
Program:
WGM Africa
Last Modified:
September 19, 2025
Development Classifications
DAC Sector:
Aid Type: Project-type interventions
Collaboration: Bilateral
Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation
Selection Mechanism:
Department-Initiated