89281 E THE WORLD BANK Acknowledgments This Outcome Assessment has been produced by the Centre of Partnerships for Development (CAD) and commissioned by infoDev, a global partnership program with the World Bank. The report features an analysis of the effects of the delivery of the Agribusiness Incubation Training, an integral module of infoDev’s Business Incubation Management Training Program and part of infoDev’s Agribusiness Innovation Program (AIP). The AIP has been implemented under the Creating Sustainable Businesses in the Knowledge Economy (CSBKE) program. This report would not have been possible without the valuable contribution of the training participants from the public and private sectors as well as academic institutions in 16 countries, which dedicated their time to an in-depth interview or participated in a survey that was undertaken for this Outcome Assessment. Special thanks also go to Jamo Macanze, who supported the research team in Mozambique in the data collection process. About infoDev and CSBKE infoDev, a global trust fund programme in the World Bank Group, supports growth- oriented entrepreneurs through creative and path-breaking venture enablers. It assists entrepreneurs to secure appropriate early-stage financing; convening entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers, mentors and other stakeholders for dialogue and action. Among other initiatives, infoDev has implemented the program for Creating Sustainable Businesses in the Knowledge Economy (CSBKE), a trust fund established by the government of Finland with the objective to increase the growth of small, innovative and technology-based business, primarily in the ICT and agribusiness sectors. The CSBKE programme was designed as a public-private partnership between infoDev, Finland and the Nokia Corporation, and covers the period from March 2010 to June 2014. About CAD CAD (Centre of Partnerships for Development) is a network of international experts specialized in international development, local economic development and public-private partnerships, with a focus on SMEs in developing countries, entrepreneurship, Base of the Pyramid and Monitoring and Evaluation tools and methods. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 2. INTRODUCTION 6 3. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES 8 4. CONTEXT AND INTERVENTION 9 5. OUTCOME ASSESSMENT OF infoDEV’S AGRIBUSINESS TRAINING 11 5.1 DIRECT RESULTS: DEGREE OF SATISFACTION 11 5.2 SHORT AND MID-TERM EFFECTS: LEARNING AND APPLYING KNOWLEDGE 14 5.3 LONG TERM EFFECTS AND IMPACT PROSPECTS 18 5.4 COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE OF THE AGRIBUSINESS INCUBATION TRAINING 24 5.5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 25 ANNEX ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY 26 3 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Entrepreneurship and innovation in agribusiness offer tremendous opportunities for many developing countries. Yet few instruments exist to help low-income countries with a comparative advantage in agriculture advance the competitiveness and growth of local growth-oriented companies. Agribusiness incubation—a holistic service focused on enabling the growth of innovative early-stage enterprises—is one vehicle that can be utilized. However, agribusiness incubation can also go terribly wrong if not carefully designed and implemented. As part of its Agribusiness Innovation Program (AIP), incubation ecosystem of participants’ countries infoDev designed an agribusiness incubation training of origin. The assessment follows a qualitative program. To-date, the Agribusiness Incubation Training methodology combining desk review, primary data has been provided to a total of 149 people from 25 collection and data analysis. A total of 40 persons, countries, including countries from Africa, Asia, representing 27% of all professionals who participated Eastern Europe and Latin America. in the Agribusiness Incubation Training, provided input for the assessment. This report analyzes the effects of the delivery of this training. The agribusiness incubation training sessions The assessment is divided into three parts, with took place as a one-day-training1 in the context of each subsection addressing a specific aspect: the seven different events. degree of satisfaction with the training, the learning and application of knowledge and the long-term The analysis includes direct short-term effects effects and impact prospects. The main conclusions on participants and potential long-term effects on for each subsection are summarized below: organizational performance and the agribusiness 1 The agribusiness incubation module is usually taught in combination with the 4 basic business incubation modules 1 and 2. One day is dedicated to each module. The training met expectations the training or are in process of creating one reaches The direct results of the delivery of the Agribusiness 50%. In-depth interviews revealed that the training Incubation Training can be rated as a success. More helped them to implement these incubation centers than 90% of participants state that the training met more quickly and with better planning and quality of their expectations. Participants expressed a high services. Out of the respondents who have already level of satisfaction with the training in terms of worked in an incubator, 59% affirm that services in content quality, methodology and expertise of the their incubation centers improved after the training. trainers. The only negative aspect pointed out was Improvements included an adaptation of services the limited time available. to the needs of the agribusiness sector, improved business planning and product development or Trainees applied what they learned an improved incubatee selection process, which The training increased knowledge with regard led to an acceptance of better suited clients. The to agribusiness incubation for more than 80% of knowledge gained is transferred to other colleagues participants and 64% of participants applied the within the organization in 75% of the cases, which acquired knowledge. The application of knowledge contributes to long-term sustainability. The training includes the development of new training materials, also led to qualitative evidence of positive effects on for example to support government extension the incubation ecosystem. This includes regional staff in running incubation centers in Kenya; the collaboration, such as in Thailand, Malaysia and improvement of business plans of existing or future Indonesia where a memorandum of understanding incubation centers; the implementation of follow- for the exchange of staff and business match-making up trainings and the development of new services for incubatees was established. Additionally, a at existing incubators. Apart from the increase and country-wide upscaling of the incubator concept will application of new knowledge, the training also take place through working with county governments generates important opportunities for peer-to-peer in Kenya to set up agribusiness incubator facilities learning and networking—creating momentum to bring the incubation centers closer to the and awareness for agribusiness incubation in agribusiness clients. countries with limited incubation experience. Examples of successful peer-to-peer learning and The training fills an existing gap networking range from the creation of a Facebook The infoDev training is the only agribusiness based knowledge platform serving as an exchange incubation training available to the majority of platform for incubation in Mozambique, to the respondents. Participants stress the value of the creation of international networks connecting training methodology, its interactivity and the international stakeholders. In Asia, a memorandum usefulness and relevance of the examples provided. of understanding between Thailand, Malaysia The possibility to network and interact with and Indonesia was signed and these countries stakeholders from different regions has been highly agreed to exchange staff and provide agribusiness valued, especially at the trainings held at the Global entrepreneurs the possibility to receive cross- Forum. country support throughout the incubation process. Conclusions The trainees improved their services Based on the findings of the Outcome Assessment, The Outcome Assessment shows that the training the training successfully promoted the training did lead to changes in the way participants objectives. It has proven successful in conveying work with 56% of participants stating that they the fundamentals of agribusiness innovation as changed their way of working after the training. well as exposing trainees to the variety of business Recurrently mentioned changes include improved models that exist and can be explored. Participants strategic planning capabilities as well as increased emphasized the acquired knowledge on value chains collaboration inside the organization. On the level and how this understanding transformed their of organizational performance, which includes the activities inside the incubator. The last key objective creation of new agribusiness incubation centers to promote networking and next steps required to or the improvement of existing ones, the training implement and improve the incubator’s scope and contributed positively to change. The number of operation aåre also successfully fulfilled by the trainees who have set up an incubation center after training. 2. infoDev Global Forum during which trainings are held. The training provides the attendees of the conference to participate in 2 out of the 12 training modules and these training sessions gathered people from more than 12 countries. 5 2. INTRODUCTION infoDev’s Agribusiness Innovation Program infoDev’s Agribusiness Innovation Program (AIP) seeks to catalyze inclusive growth by accelerating the growth of pioneering agribusinesses. The program aims to: Through this specialized training course, professionals 1) develop and test new approaches to connecting gain the knowledge they need to foster the growth of innovative, growth-oriented entrepreneurs to the innovative agribusiness enterprises in developing knowledge, markets, networks and capital needed to countries through business incubation. The module advance their enterprises; 2) build local capacity and outlines the challenges associated with incubation enable public-private partnerships to deliver these in the agricultural sector, where climate, the supply approaches, and 3) to deliver solid methodologies to and quality of raw materials, and market risks are far the development community for planning, supporting, higher than in many other sectors, making agribusiness monitoring and evaluating initiatives that advance the incubation far more difficult. It provides an overview of growth of innovative agribusiness enterprises through the various types of agribusiness incubator models: provision of financial and non-financial services. “One stop” agribusiness sector developers; university and research-based agribusiness incubators; agribusiness supply chain integrators; grass roots infoDev’s Agribusiness Incubation Training innovation incubators; and transnational strategic As an integral module of infoDev’s Business Incubation alliance technology transfer agribusiness incubators. Management Training Program, the Agribusiness Incubation Training offers a practical “how to” course The module also provides insights into agribusiness for professionals who want to use business incubation value chains, which are critical for understanding to promote the start-up and growth of innovative how the shift from supply chains to value chains and agribusiness enterprises in developing countries. These from commodities to differentiated products, opens up professionals may be interested in designing a new new opportunities for processors and other innovative agribusiness incubator or strengthening an existing enterprises to compete on value rather than price and in one. new markets. In a highly competitive and commoditized environment this understanding is essential for the success of new and growing agribusinesses. 6 Finally, the module engages participants in a discussion about the key success factors for agribusiness incubators including concepts illustrated with practical examples drawn from agribusiness incubators in developing economies. The importance of specific agribusiness networks is addressed, along with the growing importance of regulation and certification. Participants consider the risks and trends as the context for developing improvement plans for their agribusiness incubation activities. After completing the module, participants should be able to: Explain the fundamentals of infoDev aims to offer all its training programs— agribusiness incubation, how it including the agribusiness incubation training 1 differs from other types of business incubation, the different existing module—to as many developing country and emerging market stakeholders as possible. models and their success factors as well as their influence on the value The infoDev Business Incubation Management chain to market; Training Program is based on the concept of Participant-Centered Training and aims to involve attendees intensively throughout the training 2 Indicate the key elements of a model session. In order to deliver this training, infoDev trains and certifies the trainers. that would best suit their country; To date, infoDev has trained and certified 60 highly experienced business incubation professionals from 35 countries who have robust technical Identify key elements of agribusiness knowledge and practical experience of business 3 supply chains, how they are transformed to value chains and incubation, as well as experience with participant- centered adult education methodologies. specify where in the value chain opportunities exist for value addition; The “Train-the-Trainer” program coaches experienced business incubator managers to deliver infoDev’s training program on behalf of Explain where the agribusiness infoDev and its regional networks. 4 incubators intersect with the value chain and identify priority strategic Certified trainers go through a rigorous evaluation actions to strengthen agribusiness process that tests their knowledge in business incubators’ present and near future incubation as well as their skills in delivering influence on value chains; training with a participant-centered, interactive approach. 5 Identify key networks needed by an agribusiness incubator and the next steps required to implement and improve the incubator’s scope and operation. 7 3. SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES Between June 2011 and November 2013, seven training sessions were held in seven different countries – Finland, India, Uganda, Burundi, Senegal, South Africa and Mozambique – reaching more than 149 participants from Africa, Asia, Australia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. The overall goal of the assessment is to identify and 3) Impact prospects, defined as long term effects of analyze the effects of the delivery of the Agribusiness the training. Incubation Training; including direct short-term This level of analysis describes and analyzes what effects on participants and potential long-term effects changes can be expected as a result of the learning on organizational performance and the agribusiness process and the application of specific knowledge incubation ecosystem of participants’ countries of acquired during the training. These changes can be at origin. the personal level—in the daily activities of the trainees; at the organizational level—in the work environment of The analysis is based on the principles and impact trainees; or at the incubation ecosystem level—in the sequence of the Kirkpatrick Model for training country where trainees are based. evaluations. Additionally, the assessment includes an analysis of In this regard, the Outcome Assessment features three infoDev’s comparative advantage from the trainees’ levels of analysis: viewpoint and presents a brief diagnosis of future training needs for the participants. 1) Direct results of the training, defined as the immediate effects of the training . In this regard, the Outcome Assessment seeks to This level includes the satisfaction of participants with assist infoDev to detect strengths and weaknesses of training delivery and quality as well as how participants its agribusiness incubation training, thus providing value the usefulness of the training. input for the revision and update of the content and the delivery methods. 2) Outcomes, defined as short- and medium-term effects of the training. To carry out the assessment the methodology combined At this level, the objective is to assess participants’ desk review, primary data collection and data analysis. learning and application of knowledge, that is, to what A total of 40 persons, representing 27% of the overall extent participants have applied the knowledge acquired participants, provided input for the assessment. For a to their work environment. detailed description of the methodology, see Annex 1. 3. This would correspond to the reaction level in the Kirkpatrick model. 4. This level of analysis would be a combination of the learning and behaviour levels in the Kirkpatrick model. 5. This third level covers some of the features of the results level in the Kirkpatrick model. 8 4. CONTEXT AND INTERVENTION The Agribusiness Incubation Training has been provided to 149 people from 25 countries, including numerous African countries: Botswana, Burundi, Ghana, Kenya, The agribusiness training module was first piloted Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, at infoDev’s Global Forum in June 2011 in Helsinki, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia; as well as Asian, Eastern Finland, where 16 people from 14 countries were European and Latin American countries: Bangladesh, trained. As part of the partnership with UNIBRAIN Bulgaria, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, (FARA), the agribusiness training module together with Macedonia, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, Panama, Tajikistan the basic modules were delivered to 29 people from and Thailand. 7 African countries in Hyderabad, India, in November The agribusiness incubation training sessions took place as 2011, and to 23 people from 5 African countries in a one-day-training in the context of seven different events: Uganda in March 2013. Figure 5 Timeline with the different agribusiness training module sessions June. 2011 Nov. 2011 Feb. 2013 March. 2013 May. 2013 May. 2013 July. 2013 Finland India Mozambique Uganda Senegal South Africa Burundi In the framework for the feasibility assessments for Another twenty-one people from nine countries were Agribusiness Innovation Centers (AIC), the agribusiness trained at the Global Forum in East London, South training module was delivered to build the capacity Africa in 2013. In the framework of the partnership with for potential local implementation partners for the SPARK, the agribusiness training module was delivered implementation of an AIC. Twenty-eight people in to twelve people from Burundi in July 2013. Training Mozambique in February 2013 and twenty people in sessions in Mozambique, Senegal and Burundi also Senegal in May 2013 participated in the training. included basic business incubation modules. 6. The agribusiness incubation module is usually taught in combination with the basic business incubation modules 1 and 2. One day is dedicated to each module. 9 Figure 4 Location of training events and participants' countries of origin 10 5. OUTCOME ASSESSMENT OF infoDEV’S AGRIBUSINESS TRAINING Direct results: degree of satisfaction 5.1 The following section analyzes the direct results, meaning the level of satisfaction of participants with training delivery and quality, as well as the usefulness of the training. This includes relevance of the content, quality of the delivery, overall usefulness of the training and appropriateness of the training approach. Key Findings • The direct results of the agribusiness training can be rated as a success. More than 90% of participants state that the training met their expectations. • Aspects that are valued particularly positive are the quality of the trainers, the training methodology and the case studies provided during the training sessions. • The only negative aspect pointed out was the limited time available for the agribusiness module. Participants perceived that they were “rushed through” the module and would like to receive further and more in- depth training in this topic. 11 Yes No No answer Both survey results and qualitative 3% 6% interviews reveal the participants’ high level of satisfaction with the training in terms of content quality, methodology and expertise of the trainers. Notable aspects are the practical examples and case studies that were used during the training, as well as the 91% quality of the trainers and the presentation of content. Figure 5 Did the training meet participants' expectations? “ Source: Results of online survey I like the fact that Regarding specific training content, participants especially valued the one of the facilitators introduction of the value chain approach, as well as learning about incubator business had good knowledge model development. and experience on In Mozambique several participants Agribusinesses in highlighted the relevance of having the agribusiness module in Portuguese and Africa. He had his recalled the agribusiness training as more adapted to the local context than the training facts on his finger sessions given in English for Modules 1 and 2. tips.” the UniBRAIN training in India) “ (Quote from a participant of the training at This shows the importance of adaptation to the local context when implementing the training. 12 Practical examples / Case studies Quality of presentation / trainers Interactivity Content in general Business model development Value chain approach Management & Marketing * number of Motivation respondents Figure 6 “ Best aspects of the training Source: Analysis of online survey (open field ques- tion), as well as interviews Quality of content This analysis is in line with the evaluation reports conducted as part of the training was very good sessions in India 2011, Uganda 2013 and Senegal 2013. All three training reports show especially details that expectations were met and that the quality on incubation of the trainers and facilitation was valued extremely positive. management, marketing and value Overall, the direct results of the training can be valued as very good; however participants chain approaches.” had a number of suggestions to improve future “ (Quote from a participant of the training at the UniBRAIN training in India) training sessions. The time allocated to the agribusiness incubation module has been particularly criticized. Some participants felt that the module was “rushed through” and that they received a lot of content within a very short time frame without having the possibility to digest the content properly. This analysis is again in line with evaluation reports. In the training in India in 2011, almost 50% of all participants felt that there was not enough time allocated to the Agribusiness module. In India, 30% of the respondents would have needed more time and in Senegal 12%. 13 Short and mid-term effects: learning 5.2 and applying knowledge This section analyzes what participants actually learned and whether or not - and how - they applied this new knowledge in their daily work. The survey and the in-depth interviews for this longevity of the knowledge application and Outcome Assessment took place between six transfer as well as the confidence of participants months and two years after the actual training to apply this knowledge based on what they events. This allows for further analysis on the learned in the training. Key Findings agribusiness incubation in countries with limited incubation experience. • The training has increased the knowledge with regards to agribusiness incubation for • 64% of participants have applied the more than 80% of participants. acquired knowledge. Application of knowledge ranges from the development of • Business incubation training leads to new training materials to the improvement important opportunities with regard to of business plans or the development of new peer-to-peer learning and networking and services at existing incubators. has created momentum and awareness for Learning Increased knowledge with regard to agribusiness incubation Yes No No answer After the training, participant’s knowledge in the field of agribusiness incubation increased for almost 80% of the respondents. 8% Participants recurrently emphasize the value of 10% understanding the specific necessities and challenges of incubation in the agribusiness sector, as well as value chain approaches and having a better understanding of how to define the business model of an incubator. The training sessions have succeeded in this regard. 82% Figure 7 Increase of knowledge in the field of agribusiness incubation Source: Results of online survey 14 The type of additional knowledge that participants but more generally to the incubation process. were able to acquire depends greatly on the country Other cases focused on more specific aspects context as well as the participant’s previous such as the development of the agribusiness knowledge. In a country such as Mozambique, incubation business model and the value chain where incubation itself is still in its infancy and approach (amongst others) given that their the concept is not widely known, learning was general knowledge on incubation was already not only associated to agribusiness incubation, quite advanced. Better understanding of agribusiness sector Understanding value chain & cluster concept Understanding incubation planning & management Understanding incubation process & concept * number of respondents Figure 8 Most mentioned aspects learned in the training Source: Own elaboration based on online survey In Mozambique some of the participants were better understanding of what to expect from an not practitioners but rather companies looking to incubation center and the training prompted their participate in an agribusiness innovation center. interest to participate in a potential agribusiness Based on their perceptions, they now have a innovation center. Improved networking Yes No No answer capacities and peer learning 13% Besides direct knowledge and learning with 13% regard to agribusiness incubation, 74% of all respondents confirmed that they also acquired other knowledge and benefits from the training. 74% Figure 9 Acquisition of other knowledge Source: Own elaboration based on survey and interviews 15 The most recurrently mentioned aspect regarding This is the case for national training sessions, the development of new knowledge outside of such as in Mozambique where participants were technical aspects is the relevance of networking able to connect with international stakeholders and the possibility for peer learning. through the presence of infoDev, as well as for the global training sessions. In Asia, a memorandum Especially those participants who were interviewed of understanding between Thailand, Malaysia and in more detail and had participated in the trainings Indonesia was signed as a direct result of the at the Global Forum emphasized the significance training. of peer learning and information exchange as a core acquisition from the training sessions. Based on this memorandum, the countries agreed to exchange staff and provide entrepreneurs Participants from all different training sessions the possibility to receive cross-country support valued the possibility to increase their networks. throughout the incubation process. In Africa, Increased networking has led to concrete follow- training participants are working on the up activities in a number of cases. In Mozambique establishment of an Agribusiness Incubation for example, the participants created a Facebook Network for Africa. based knowledge platform that serves as an exchange platform between training participants. Other participants emphasized the possibility to create international networks as a consequence of the training. Creating awareness and momentum In those countries where agribusiness incubation Yes No No answer is still in its infancy, such as in Mozambique and Eastern Africa, the training also had an important effect in terms of creating momentum. In countries such as Mozambique, application of the learning might not have taken place yet, but the 8% training has created the necessary awareness for agribusiness incubation in a context where incubation is very incipient. 28% 28% Application of the acquired knowledge 64% Of all the respondents 64% have applied the knowledge they acquired during the agribusiness incubation course. Figure 10 Application of the acquired knowledge Source: own elaboration based on survey and interviews 16 The application of knowledge acquired during the Selection of partners in a more professional way: training is associated to the type of participants and to the country’s stage of incubation development. A similar example can be found in Burundi, In Mozambique for example, the training has where a participant is currently setting up two served to create interest as well as awareness and agribusiness incubation centers. The training knowledge with regard to agribusiness innovation. helped to identify stakeholders in a more However, most of the participants interviewed in professional way and the skills learned at the Mozambique said that so far they have not applied training are used in the facilitation of workshops any of the acquired knowledge as they are still in and training at the agribusiness incubation center. a very incipient phase in agribusiness incubation. There were two exceptions. Implementation of training: The University Eduardo Mondlane, where an incubation center is currently planned and the A number of participants have developed person responsible – a training participant - was training sessions or adjusted their training able to fine-tune his concept after the training methodologies based on what they learned at the session. Another participant was able to refine the agribusiness incubation training. This is the case planning for a government-based technology and in Thailand, where other incubators are trained science center in Mozambique. on agribusiness incubation on the basis of the infoDev methodology. In Burundi a participant In other countries and contexts the application of started to train unemployed youth using part of the learning has been much more direct. methodology and training materials with the idea to motivate them to create their own agribusiness The following are examples of applications as companies and later to support them through a consequence of the training that have been mobile incubation services. extracted from interviews and the survey. Change in perspective with regards to incubatees: Use of the training syllabus to develop services Another aspect mentioned by various trainees and train staff: was a change in behavior with regard to client admission as a consequence of the training. A One participant from Kenya was about to participant from Ghana, as well as a participant inaugurate eight incubation centers on Sorghum from Mozambique said they would be more value chains across Kenya at the time of the responsive to their clients and have become more interview. His organization used the training proactive in trying to understand their potential syllabus as a guideline to run the incubation and support needs. centers and will also train the technical teams (government extension staff) that will be recruited in each of the agribusiness incubation centers based on the syllabus of the infoDev training. As those agribusiness incubation centers have received seed financing from DANIDA, the knowledge will be applied immediately. 17 Long term effects and 5.3 impact prospects This section focuses on the impact prospects level. It encompasses the analysis of qualitative information associated to evidence on potential changes that the training already brought or could bring about. Five of the seven training events took place in the training sessions. As a consequence, in 2013 and thus, mid- and longer term effects of most cases the longer term effects can only be the training sessions have not yet occurred, as estimated on the basis of qualitative information participants are still in the process of planning gathered from individual trainees. the application of the knowledge acquired during Key Findings • The training did have an impact on the way participants work. 56% of participants state that they changed their way of working after the training. • 50% of trainees have set up an incubation center after the training or are in process of creating one. • 59% of respondents affirm that services in their incubation centers improved after the training. • The knowledge gained is transferred on to other colleagues within the organization in 75% of the cases, which contributes to long-term sustainability. Personal Level Yes No No answer At the individual level, the agribusiness incubation training did change the way trainees manage their day- 16% to-day work activities. A majority (56%) of participants stated that they changed 28% their way of working. 28% 56% Figure 11 Have participants changed their way of working after the training? 18 The most recurrently mentioned aspects that agribusiness community. All of these are aspects changed are associated to improved strategic they did not prioritize or were not aware of previous planning and a more collaborative way of working. to the training. Also, in some cases participants Trainees stated that they are now increasingly report that they improved financial planning looking for team building inside the institution and administration: they have begun to use – or and for partnerships with other organizations. are planning to use – the software for financial They also pointed out that they now are giving management introduced in the training events. more importance to the actual needs of the local Organizational level center, or are in process of doing so. While in the in-depth interviews, trainees mention that they would have done this even without having participated in the training, they also state that The organizational level refers to changes that the training helped them to implement the have been generated through the agribusiness incubation center more quickly and with a better incubation training at the level of organizational planning and quality of services. In some cases, performance, which means either the creation participants also highlighted the motivation of new agribusiness incubators, or the and self-confidence the training gave them to improvement of existing ones. There is evidence lead the way in the planning and set-up of an that the agribusiness incubation training did incubator in their countries. have a positive effect: 50% of participants state that they have already set up an incubation Yes No No answer In process 19% 22% On the other hand, 59% of the repondents, who had already been working in an incubator when attending the training, stated that the services in their incubators have improved 28% subsequent to the training. 28% 56% Figure 12 After the training, have participants set up an incubator? 19 20 Figure 13 After the training, have services in participants’ business incubator improved? Yes No No answer 38% 56% 3% Aspects that have improved that were most mentioned by respondents are: 1. General improvement of services offered to 1 incubatees, which are now more focused and better adapted to the needs of the agribusiness sector and different value chains. 22. Improved business planning and product development. 3. Improved incubatee selection process, which leads to 3 the acceptation of better suited clients. 44. Development of partnerships with other actors. 55. Improved administration and management. 21 Yes No No answer Moreover, 75% of participants also said that they did transfer the knowledge acquired through the agribusiness incubation training within and across their organizations, which points to further potential improvements in internal 9% management and organizational performance, as more people of the same organization dispose of the knowledge 16% and are likely to apply it in their work environment. 75% Figure 14 Did participants transfer the knowledge they acquired in the training to other colleagues in their organization? This also contributes to the sustainability of training when relevant issues come up in the work training effects on the participating organizations. environment. This means that the training contributed In qualitative interviews, some training participants to an improvement of the organizations’ problem stated that they use the knowledge they gained for solving, and thus to a more efficient management of addressing difficulties in their workplace, and they the incubators. discuss with their colleagues the insights of the Ecosytem level The interviews conducted provide qualitative evidence that the agribusiness incubation training did have positive effects at the incubation ecosystem level. As effects on the ecosystem level on the ecosystem have been taking are longer-term effects, this is place in some cases where training especially true for interviews participants hold leading positions that have been conducted with in national entities that have participants that took part in the influence on a country’s incubation training events in 2011, whereas ecosystem. no concrete evidence can yet be Examples for positive effects on given for training sessions that countries’ incubation ecosystems were implemented in 2013. Effects include: 22 Networking and regional cooperation Adaptation and country-wide use Another important long-term effect of the agribusiness of the training incubation training is networking and regional cooperation, which has expanded / enlarged the borders of the incubation The most prominent example in this ecosystem. As a direct result of the training event, Thailand, respect is Thailand. There are about 56 Malaysia and Indonesia actually set up a memorandum of incubators in the country. The infoDev understanding for the exchange of staff and business match- training has been introduced to a national making for incubatees. The incubatees can now have support incubation association by a participant from one country to another. For example, a Malaysian from the National Science and Technology entrepreneur can go to Bangkok to get incubated, and vice Development Agency (NSTDA). The versa. association gives strategic advice to the incubators, and the knowledge from the Similarly, regional cooperation takes place in Africa as an effect agribusiness incubation training is thus of the training event. In Kenya, in the framework of UniBRAIN, passed on to other incubators. In addition, work is in progress for the creation of the Agribusiness ThaiBispa, the Thai Association for Incubation Network for Africa. While this development is not incubation has been rolling out the training exclusively attributable to the infoDev agribusiness incubation program using the infoDev certified training, the event did have a positive effect, as it provided trainers, implementing incubation deeper insights into partnership development and facilitated trainings in Thailand, which include all 12 the networking process. Additionally, a country-wide upscaling modules of the training. About 100 people of the incubator concept will take place through working with have gone through the agribusiness county governments in Kenya to set up agribusiness incubator incubation training so far. facilities at the county level, in order to bring the incubators closer to the agribusiness clients. 23 Comparative advantage of the 5.4 Agribusiness Incubation Training The following chapter analyzes what participants believed to be the comparative advantage of the training in comparison to other trainings that they attended or know of. Key Findings • The infoDev training is the only agribusiness incubation training available to the majority of respondents. • Participants stress the value of the training methodology, its interactivity and the usefulness and relevance of the examples that are provided. • The possibility to network and interact with stakeholders from different regions has been highly valued, especially at the trainings of the Global Forum. In total, only 12,5% of respondents knew about a similar training offered elsewhere by other organizations. Thus, the infoDev training is the only relevant training course available to the majority of respondents and is thus in an excellent competitive position. Only one participant has applied to a scholarship training programs, people felt integrated and of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for a positively challenged and motivated to participate. training course on Agribusiness Management, Another differentiating factor was the fact that the two other participants mentioned DANIDA as a training was not limited to theoretical knowledge, source for further training courses. However, no but very focused on practical case studies and further information on the type of similar training real examples. In country training sessions, programs is available. The majority of trainees that participants also emphasized the right mix of took part in the infoDev agribusiness incubation international trainers with relevant knowledge training does not know where to turn to for further of Africa and its challenges and opportunities as training, although most of them mention at the a differentiating factor in comparison to other same time that they would be interested in follow- training programs. up training sessions that provide more in-depth knowledge on agribusiness incubation aspects. Another aspect mentioned as very positive, especially from those participants that were part As part of the survey, 34,4% of respondents of the global training events, is the possibility emphasized the high degree of interactivity, the to learn from other stakeholders with different training methodology, as well as the good quality backgrounds and from different regions. of the case studies as the major differentiating factors of the training. In comparison to other 24 Conclusions and 5.5 Recommendations Based on the findings of the Outcome Assessment, the training has successfully reached the training objectives. It has proven successful in conveying the fundamentals of agribusiness innovation as well as the agribusiness incubator business models. Participants also emphasized the knowledge acquired with regard to value chains and how these have transformed their activities. The last key objective to promote networking and next steps required to implement and improve the incubator’s scope and operation are also being successfully fulfilled by the training. Important outcomes from the training are improved networking and contacts, as well as improved service delivery subsequent to the training. Based on the results of the Outcome Assessment, the following aspects could still be improved further to use the results of the training sessions even more: 1 1) Dedicate more time to the Agribusiness 2 2) Another important point is the Training Module. One major point of critique was local context. For the Agribusiness Module, the limited time available for the Agribusiness participants emphasized the importance of Module. There are two possibilities to solve experience with the local context and the use this: integrate Agribusiness Incubation of relevant examples. While in a number of related examples into the other modules of specific cases the local adaptation was valued the incubation training or dedicate more time positively, a more adapted localization could to the Agribusiness Module. As participants take place before each training. generally participate in a three-day training that includes one day of specific agribusiness training, it might be more suitable to integrate agribusiness transversally into the other training areas. Almost all participants were interested in provide a standard of high quality training. To further training and additional information, ensure this network stays sustainable after but did not have a clear idea on how to receive infoDev training support ends, a viable structure more training. infoDev could use the network to further capitalize on the knowledge of these of certified trainers to provide follow-up with trainers without jeopardizing quality needs to be participants. The certified trainer network could found. An example could be GIZ who outsourced be supported through a web-based application training to independent associations led by the and exchange platform on Agribusiness trainers themselves (see www.premanet.org Incubation. for an example). Establishing such a structure provides trainers with the possibility to apply Another aspect requiring foresight is the future their knowledge after the infoDev support ends application of training. infoDev has invested and can at the same time guarantee the quality financial resources and time to establish a of trainings. network of qualified trainers that are able to 25 Annex Assessment methodology Approach and rationale The assessment consisted of three parts: Desk review of infoDev brochures and training materials, as well as existing training reports 1 elaborated by infoDev staff and training delivery partners. These short reports contain information about training participants, as well as basic evaluation data from questionnaires filled in directly by trainees subsequent to the training events. Primary data collection was conducted in two ways: 2 (i) An online survey was sent to 121 training participants from 25 countries by email. 32 participants from 14 countries (Burundi, Senegal, Kenya, South Africa, England , Ghana, Australia, France, Mali, Nepal, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Kazakhstan) responded to the survey, which represents a response rate of 25%. (ii) The online survey was complemented by 16 in-depth interviews conducted face-to-face in Mozambique, South Africa and Kenya, and via phone calls with Thailand, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Burundi. As the six participants interviewed by phone have also participated in the survey, the Outcome Assessment relies on information from 40 participants, representing a total of 27% of all training participants. This approach of combining online survey with in-depth interviews was chosen because the survey provides comparable output and outcome data on the training sessions, while the in- depth interviews imply a degree of interaction that makes it possible to understand the behavioral changes generated in the trainees’ work subsequent to the training. In-depth interviews were also appropriate to gain insights into potential impacts on the incubation ecosystem in the participants’ countries of origin. Data analysis: The answers to the survey were tabulated and analyzed statistically. This statistical 3 analysis has been complemented with in-depth interviews that have been used as a qualitative tool to get deeper insights about the effects that generated, and how and why they occurred. 7 Evaluation reports exist for the trainings in India 2011, Uganda 2013 and Senegal 2013. For the Global Forums 2011 and 2013, as well as the trainings in Burundi 2013 and Mozambique 2013, no data are available. 8 All training participants beside of Mozambique, and participants that had been interviewed in depth in Kenya and South Africa during a field mission. 26 9 Originally from England, but residents in Mali and South Africa. Selection of interviewees and survey participants The online survey was sent to all training participants for whom email addresses were available and that had not been interviewed in person during field visits. As mentioned, 25% of these participants answered the survey, which is the sample that was analyzed for the Outcome Assessment. The sample is illustrative, as respondents come from all types of stakeholder groups , as well as all type of training events that have been delivered so far. 3% 3% 3% Burundi 3% 3% 13% Senegal 28% 3% Kenya 3% 28% South Africa Nigeria 6% England Thailand 13% Ghana 6% Uganda 6% 10% 10% Australia France Figure 1 Country of origin of respondents Burundi Golbal Forum, Finland (2011) 13% 28% Global Forum, South Africa (2013) 28% 16% Senegal 9% 9% Unibrain / FARA India (2011) 25% Unibrain / FARA Uganda (2013) Figure 2 Distribution of respondents by training session 10 Stakeholder groups include private sector, business associations, academia, government, etc. 27 Other 16% 16% Business Incubator / Business Support Service Provider Company 28% 9% University 12% 47% Government or related organization Figure 3 Distribution of respondents by training session For face-to-face interviews conducted during the field mission to Mozambique, South Africa and Kenya, trainees were chosen based on availability for an interview. For the in-depth phone interviews, purposeful sampling based on the responses to the online survey was used. The rationale for this choice is that the Outcome Assessment should mainly serve infoDev to learn to what extent their trainings contribute to build capacity when it comes to setting up Agribusiness Innovation Centers or improving existing agribusiness incubators. Therefore, interviewees with a higher potential to provide substantial insights were chosen. This method is usually applied when the objective is to study information-rich cases in depth. After completion of data collection, the information was processed and analyzed according to the three levels of analysis: immediate effects; short and mid-term effects and long-term effects and impact prospects. Specific aspects and considerations While this Outcome Assessment is specifically dedicated to Module 12 of the Business Incubation Management Training Program, many of the trainees have participated in additional modules, especially modules 1 and 2, which are the basic business incubation modules. Answers from the participants, especially answers associated to the application of learning and potential impacts, include participation in all training modules. In addition, it is worth mentioning that five of the seven training events took place in 2013 and thus, mid- and longer term effects of the training sessions have not yet occurred, as participants are still in the process of planning the application of the knowledge acquired in the training sessions. As a consequence, in most cases the longer term effects can only be estimated on the basis of qualitative information gathered from individual trainees. Additionally, Module 12 is a one-day training and one has to be cautious when drawing conclusions with regard to impacts and long-term effects. 28