What is Social Business? The term social business is new to most SDC ears! And what is the difference between social business and social entrepreneurship? Jessica Graf introduces the subject and explains the two terms in two minutes: The following posts here below provide you with two examples how social business looks in practice:↓ Jean-Christophe Laugée presents how Danone is working with agricultural smallholders and other disadvantaged groups. And how the expansion of Danone’s socio-economic footprint maximises the company’s consumption opportunities.↓ Ian Barker illustrates how Syngenta Foundation support to large farms in Kenya help smaller farmers and local seed sellers to increase their income and social standing.
Danone Ecosystems – Developing Innovative Business Approaches to Work with Small Dairy Farmers in a Sustainable Way Jean-Christophe Laugee, Danone EcosystemJean-Christophe Laugée, Director at Danone Ecosystems told us about Danone’s approach to working with small dairy farmers in a sustainable way, meanwhile expanding Danone’s business into new markets. On focus was Indonesia, and Indonesian farmers were the approach target group. Continue reading →
Social Business at multiple levels Ian Barker, Syngenta FoundationOne of the main challenges small farmers in developing countries face is the lack of high quality production inputs. Ian Barker from the Syngenta Foundation described the situation of Kenyan farmers. Where low harvest is caused by low access to good quality seeds. Potatoes are the second most important crop in Kenya, after Maize. Though the production area of this crop has increased steadily, the yield is only1/3 of its potential.The project started out with one large Kenyan farm that was keen to not only increase its yields but also to create positive change within its community. The Syngenta Foundation provided the necessary know-how for the farm to grow potato seeds. Growing high quality potato seeds is complex and know-how intensive. It is best done by larger agricultural entities. The seeds are then sold to secondary, smaller neighborhood farmers who multiply the seed stock by growing seeds again on their farm plots. These seeds are sold to farmers to grow potatoes, or to the village youth who act as a third level distribution actor: selling the seeds in smaller quantities to farmers. – The renewal of the seed quality happens every third season. When the large farm inputs fresh and strong seeds into the cycle. Continue reading →