AGRIMAX helps agro-dealers to establish demonstration fields where the use of new agro-inputs is shown to farmers. This is an investment an agro dealer might not be able to take on individually but is essential to expanding demand for inputs.
In some cases, input provision, especially the marketing of seeds, is organized directly by the input manufacturer without involving of a network of agro-dealers or shops. Agrimax Africa has experience in direct seed marketing through the Quality Agro Inputs Provision (QAIP) Program. QAIP aims to improve smallholders’ access to quality seed through formal or informal seed systems. Government policies and development programs usually neglect informal systems but account for around 95% of the seed farmers use. One component of the Program’s work is developing community seed management and local seed businesses, to strengthen ‘seed entrepreneurship’. This includes maintaining links with policy makers and improving the interaction with formal seed systems.