‘Source It Local’ expert meeting

On 20 April 2011, ‘Source It Local’, an expert meeting on local sourcing, will be organized by KIT and Agri-ProFocus in cooperation with SNV, Oxfam Novib and Hivos.

Sourcing from smallholders as a business opportunity
Local sourcing is gaining ground as a responsible and cost-effective way of doing business. The term refers to agri-business companies operating in developing countries that procure inputs locally and then sell their end products to the domestic market. Through local sourcing, companies can reduce their costs by replacing imported raw materials with local ones, while at the same time supporting the local economy and ensuring sustainability.

The meeting on April 20 is an opportunity for major Dutch companies and NGOs to exchange their knowledge and experiences with sourcing locally from smallholders. The role of the Dutch private sector in Africa – whether investing in local companies or sourcing food from African smallholder farmers – will also be examined. Participants will gain a better understanding of how food security and inclusive value chains are related and will have the opportunity to connect with professionals from outside their existing networks.

Knowledge network on local sourcing
‘Source It Local’ is the kick-off event for a more elaborate programme around local agribusiness development initiated by KIT and AgriProFocus members. The main question they aim to answer is: How can local sourcing contribute to local economic development and provide a business opportunity at the same time? The questions and challenges identified during the expert meeting will provide the foundation for research and analysis which will be presented during a follow-up event in December 2011.

More information

• 'Source It Local' website
• Register for 'Source It Local' on April 20

• Tags
:
• agriculture |
• food and nutrition |
• market development |
• sustainable development

• communication@kit.nl
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