Farmers everywhere want to make money from their produce. But they may find that if there is considerable money to be made on a particular crop, so many farmers will grow it that the market is soon flooded. Consequently, development groups are often looking for ways to grow a popular crop out of season, to convert it to a new form, to preserve it for later marketing, or to find a new crop or niche market. Over the years, we have come across some ideas and perspectives which are reported in this chapter.
Be aware, however, that projects requiring the cooperation of many people, demanding a high level of quality control, or depending entirely on marketing abroad are risky and are probably beyond the scope of what most NGOs will want to do. ECHO, and most people in our network, specialize in microdevelopment, "one family at a time." We hope that reading about these ideas leads you to consider what to look for in developing a small business. We also mention some ways you can use the expertise you gain in the field.
Articles
Small Businesses
- Out-of-Season Vegetable Production in Bangladesh
- Mushroom Cultivation in the Tropics
- Before You Get Excited about Spice Production, Consider This
- Comments from Dr. Tony Lamb on Spices (and Other Topics)
- A New Rearing Method for Cochineal Insects
- Passion Fruit Project is Especially Successful in Puerto Rico
- A Small Canning Business Sealing in Metal Cans
- CECOCO Sells Equipment for Cottage Industries
- The Wood-Mizer Company Helps Christian Missions and Schools with Portable Sawmills
- Eden Valley Institute Offers Training in Organic Farming and Marketing
- Has Anyone Tried Making and Selling...?
For Your Economic Interest
SUPPLEMENTAL CURRENCY. Currency serves two uses in a community. It buys goods and services from outside the community. Until then, it recirculates within the community making economic activity possible. A common lament heard throughout much of our overseas network is, "It just makes no sense. Willing labor goes unused and local produce and goods unsold because no one in the community has money. This remote area has so little to 'export' out of the region that very little money comes in to it."