Markets and Seeds Access Project (MASAP)

The primary target group are 60’000 smallholder farmer households, of which at least 60% are women. This corresponds to approx. 300’000 beneficiaries.

The secondary group are farmers’ associations, private sector companies, Agriculture and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministries, civil society organisations and policy makers.

• Improved food security and incomes of smallholder farmers as a result of arketing more resilient crop varieties.
• Targeted agricultural value chains become more competitive and inclusive, driven by improved private sector performance, enhanced market linkages, and strengthened supporting services.
• An enabling policy environment informed by evidence and supportive of small grains and legumes sectors’ needs and interests developed.

In line with Switzerland’s planned phase out of bilateral development cooperation in Zambia, market engagement activities in Zambia will cease after two more agricultural seasons (2025-27), and phase-out fully completed in 2028. In Zimbabwe, the phase will expand to two additional districts with favourable agroecological conditions.

Erwartete Resultate:  

• Community-owned businesses and associations are strengthened and effectively provide services that meet needs of 60’000 smallholder farmers.
• Increased access to and adoption of improved seed of target crops by smallholder farmers.
• Improved access to financial services by farmers, processors, seed companies and other value chain actors.
• Evidence related to target seed and commodity production, processing and consumption and to address the needs of women and marginalized groups is available and used by stakeholders.

Resultate von früheren Phasen:  

• Over 31,000 smallholder farmers connected with 30 market actors, improving access to agricultural inputs nd market opportunities.
• Significant increase in access to certified seeds, with 81% of Zimbabwean and 91% of Zambian farmers reporting better availability of small grains and legume seeds.
• Enabled key seed policy reforms, including updates to the Seed Act, adoption of the regional Seed Harmonisation Protocol, and legal recognition of farmer varieties.
• Exceeded gender inclusion targets, with 78% female participation and measurable growth in women’s leadership and access to gender-responsive agricultural technologies.