• Agroecology as a lever of resilience for agri-food SMEs (Caribbean region)

    • 08/06/2026
    • Posted by: Sandra Borma
    • Category: News
    No Comments
    In brief The 21st session of the Caribbean Agrifood Business Series, run by IICA and COLEAD, will focus on advancing agroecology for Caribbean agri-food SMEs. Online, on Tuesday 16 June 2026, 14:00-16:00 UTC. A sector largely driven by SMEs and facing significant economic, food security and climate challenges. Agroecology is presented as a flexible, locally adapted approach combining ecological practices and local knowledge. The webinar will bring together entrepreneurs, technical experts and ecosystem actors; registration is open. Why this session?… +
    read more

  • AGRINFO launches first mission to Guatemala

    • 08/06/2026
    • Posted by: Sandra Borma
    • Category: News
    No Comments
    An important step in strengthening engagement with key agrifood stakeholders across Latin America  As part of its 2026 regional outreach strategy, AGRINFO selected one country in each region for closer collaboration. In Latin America, Guatemala was chosen due to the concentration of its agricultural exports to the European Union, particularly in the palm oil sector. The mission provided a valuable space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder engagement.  The event held on 26 May, “Tools to Export to the EU… +
    read more

  • Nigeria: gender inclusion as a driver of performance in horticulture

    • 08/06/2026
    • Posted by: Sandra Borma
    • Category: News
    No Comments
    In brief COLEAD ran the final collective training session of the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme in Nigeria, focused on gender inclusion. 12 of the country’s leading horticultural organisations, 19 industry professionals, over four days. The aim: practical tools to build stronger, fairer and more competitive businesses. Four pillars: gender mainstreaming, inclusive policies, gender-responsive budgeting, audits and monitoring. Every organisation left with a tailored, concrete action plan ready to launch. Four days to equip the sector From 21 to… +
    read more

  • WANGU Holdings in Sierra Leone: better chain coordination, from farm to factory

    • 08/06/2026
    • Posted by: Sandra Borma
    • Category: News
    No Comments
    In brief Through the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, funded by the European Union, COLEAD carried out an in-depth analysis of the supply and outgrower supervision systems of WANGU Holdings (Sierra Leone). Founded in 2012, WANGU produces, processes and markets fruits and leafy vegetables (local juices, exports of fruit pulp and frozen leafy vegetables). A systemic approach, from production to processing: farmer surveys, transporter interviews, warehouse and factory assessments. Key finding: the main constraint is not infrastructure capacity, but… +
    read more

  • Energy efficiency and solar power for more resilient horticulture: the example of Broomrigg Farm in Zimbabwe

    • 08/06/2026
    • Posted by: Sandra Borma
    • Category: News
    No Comments
    In brief Through the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, COLEAD carried out an energy efficiency audit and a renewable energy management plan at Broomrigg Farm (Zimbabwe). The horticultural business faces rising energy costs, grid instability and recurrent load shedding. Irrigation and cold chain operations stand out as the largest energy consumers. A phased roadmap is proposed, built around a 150 kVA hybrid solar PV system. Estimated gains: around 75,000 kWh saved per year (about 54% less consumption), roughly USD… +
    read more

  • From knowledge to practice: achieving energy efficiency through training – the example of Three Trees Gardens in Botswana

    • 08/06/2026
    • Posted by: Sandra Borma
    • Category: News
    No Comments
    In brief Through the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, COLEAD carried out post-training technical support on energy consumption and energy efficiency at Three Trees Gardens (Botswana). A milestone: one of the first such interventions on sustainable energy management in Botswana’s horticultural sector. The company, which supplies vegetables, fruits and herbs to the local market, relies heavily on energy (irrigation, cold storage, handling, transport). Main energy consumers identified: cold chain, borehole pumping and transport logistics. A phased roadmap combines immediate… +
    read more

  • Business plans in agriculture: 50 entrepreneurs trained to make their ventures bankable

    • 08/06/2026
    • Posted by: Sandra Borma
    • Category: News
    No Comments
    In brief From 19 January to 6 February 2026, COLEAD ran a three-week training course introducing business plans in the agricultural sector. It was delivered under the Fit for Market Plus (FFM+) programme. Around fifty participants — agri-MSMEs, cooperative managers and consultants — from 19 partner countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The goal: turning hands-on expertise and market knowledge into a bankable business plan. A concrete lever to ease access to finance for horticultural businesses. Why this… +
    read more

  • Strengthening food safety while building on local expertise – the example of NSUNGA YA KONGO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    • 08/06/2026
    • Posted by: Sandra Borma
    • Category: News
    No Comments
    In brief Through the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, COLEAD supported NSUNGA YA KONGO (Democratic Republic of Congo) in implementing Good Hygiene Practices (GHP). The mission was carried out by a local Congolese expert: assessing practices, strengthening teams, identifying areas for improvement. Strengths noted: strong management commitment, motivated teams, internal technical capacities. Challenges identified: no dedicated hygiene and quality manager, limited knowledge of GHP requirements, need for further training. Recommendations: staff training, regular monitoring of hygiene practices, suitable technical… +
    read more

  • Towards Rainforest Alliance certification for lychee exporters in Madagascar

    • 08/06/2026
    • Posted by: Sandra Borma
    • Category: News
    No Comments
    In brief COLEAD supported two Malagasy lychee exporters, QUALITYMAD and GASYFRUITS, in their compliance journey towards the Rainforest Alliance standard. The support was delivered under the Fit for Market Plus (FFM+) programme, building on training the companies had already completed. The method: field visits, document reviews and assessment tools, covering management, traceability, agricultural practices and the social and environmental dimensions. QUALITYMAD reduced its non-conformities and consolidated its management tools; GASYFRUITS is pressing ahead despite the damage caused by Cyclone GEZANI.… +
    read more

  • TRACES: around 120 competent authority representatives mobilised on plant product certification

    • 08/06/2026
    • Posted by: Sandra Borma
    • Category: News
    No Comments
    In brief On 21 May 2026, through the Fit for Market Plus (FFM+) and AGRINFO programmes, COLEAD ran two follow-up sessions (in French and English) on using TRACES for phytosanitary and safety certification of plant products. Around 120 representatives from competent authorities took part. On the agenda: TRACES-PHYTO, the IPPC ePhyto module, EU IMPORT, electronic certification via eSeal, and access to CHED and QlikSense. The aim: to strengthen competent authorities’ capacity and encourage the use of TRACES. Presentations and recordings… +
    read more