Markets and Seeds Access Project (MASAP)
This project contributes to improved resilient livelihoods of smallholder farmers by supporting climate-resilient crop value chains. It promotes private sector engagement, enhanced market systems, and supportive policies for small grains and legumes. Implemented by NIRAS with the Community Technology Development Organisation and the Swiss-based Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, the project will expand in Zimbabwe while exiting Zambia after two agricultural seasons to ensure a responsible phase-out.
| Paese/Regione | Tema | Periodo | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sambia Zimbabwe |
Agricoltura e sicurezza alimentare nothemedefined
Sicurezza alimentare domestica
Servizi agricoli & mercato Cooperative agricole & organizzazioni di produttori agricoli |
01.07.2025
- 30.06.2029 |
CHF 8’352’000
|
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Settore privato straniero Nord
- Settore privato straniero Sud/Est
- NIRAS with sub-contractors, Community Technology Development Organisation (CTDO) and Swiss-based Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL).
-
Settore in base alle categorie del Comitato di Aiuto allo sviluppo (DAC) dell'OCSE OTHER MULTISECTOR
AGRICOLTURA
AGRICOLTURA
Sotto-Settore in base alle categorie del Comitato di Aiuto allo sviluppo (DAC) dell'OCSE Programmi di sicurezza alimentare per le famiglie
Agricultural services
Agricultural co-operatives
Temi trasversali Il progetto promuove la biodiversità.
Il progetto sostiene anche miglioramenti nell'organizzazione partner
Tipo di aiuto Mandato con fondo fiduciario
Mandato senza fondo fiduciario
Numero del progetto 7F10511
| Contesto | Zimbabwe and Zambia face similar socioeconomic and environmental challenges, with economies reliant on agriculture, mining, and tourism—sectors highly vulnerable to climate shocks like the 2023/24 El Niño-induced drought, which triggered food insecurity, energy shortages, and economic decline. Maize dependence in both countries reduces crop diversity and climate resilience. Traditional grains offer better options but face adoption barriers like poor seed access, weak markets, limited support, and poor stakeholder coordination. |
| Obiettivi | Enhancing resilience of smallholder livelihoods while fostering dynamic, profitable engagement of market actors across the small grains and legumes value chains supported by an enabling policy environment. |
| Gruppi target |
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. |
| Effetti a medio termine |
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. |
| Risultati |
Risultati principali attesi: Risultati fasi precedenti: |
| Direzione/Ufficio responsabile |
DSC |
| Partner del progetto |
Partner contrattuale Economia privata |
| Coordinamento con altri progetti e attori | Synergies with the Seed and Knowledge Initiative, R4 project, ACELI in Zambia, and a European Union project on small grains and the IFAD sorghum project will be strengthened. |
| Budget | Fase in corso Budget Svizzera CHF 8’352’000 Budget svizzero attualmente già speso CHF 0 Budget inclusi partner del progetto CHF 8’352’000 Progetto totale dalla prima fase Budget Svizzera CHF 8’655’098 Budget inclusi partner del progetto CHF 25’000’000 |
| Fasi del progetto |
Fase 2 01.07.2025 - 30.06.2029 (Active) Fase 1 01.08.2020 - 30.11.2025 (Fase in corso) |
