In July and August 2022, AMBERO – on behalf of GIZ-Iraq together with its partners Cordaid and CINOP - had selected Iraqi candidates from 6 regions (Baghdad, Basra, Diwaniyah, Diyala, Erbil, and Mosul). They are involved in a 14-month IC-training programme existing of 4 modules.

In September and October 2022, Module 1 of the IC-training and coaching programme was remotely implemented by Joost G.H. Vermeulen -a senior VCD consultant of JV-Consultancies-, an excellent agribusiness expert from the Netherlands.

Module 2 was implemented on-site in Erbil by the end of January 2023 by Robert H.M. van den Heuvel, another excellent agribusiness expert from the Netherlands. On forehand the participants had gathered figures and selected potential interventions, which were used during the one-week training in which also they did some field visits to selected farmers.

Module 3 was also implemented on-site in Erbil by the end of July 2023 by Ms. Neila Dridi another excellent agribusiness expert from Tunesia working for iCRA. Hereby the focus was on building local networks for integrated agribusiness development whereby the participants learned to develop their negotiation skills etc.

Finally, Module 4 was remotely implemented by different speakers during June until September 2023. Hereby Mr. Joost G.H. Vermeulen taught in 3 online-sessions the basics of marketing, including branding & packaging.

At the end of Module 4 all 29 participants - divided over 6 Value Chains per region: potatoes, tomatoes, cow-milk, dates, vermicompost - presented in October 2023 their final documentation during 3 online sessions, which was very well done!!

Through this Iraq is another step closer to having 29 certified Agribusiness (M)SME Innovation Coaches! Innovation coaches (ICs) analyse value chains e.g., of potatoes, tomatoes, diary, and grains in the agricultural sector to assess development and efficiency gaps and come up with recommendations and measures to improve and increase value chains. They also initiate and support effective partnerships and networks to achieve better agribusiness and higher income in the sector.

If you want to learn more about this project, please visit: https://ambero.de/projects/knowledge-transfer-for-agribusiness-innovations-training-of-innovation-coaches-international-technology-networking-and-creation-of-business-linkages