Simple, right? Why businesses and value chain improvement interventions oftentimes have less impact than expected or hoped for is due to the abstract character of the actions needed. Goals are set too general, customers or stakeholders are not specifically defined and as a result, the exact value to be delivered cannot be created. However, with the right approach and practical steps, in other words: the right management, both business and value chain development can be made simple and achievable.

Earlier on in the Nuffic project ‘Market driven training programs for the horticultural sector’ in Kenya, the capacity of the team of Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya and Kenya School Of Agriculture was built for Value Chain Management. Last week, it was time for Business Management.

Q-Point colleagues Mark and Lisa broke down business management into simple steps, to benefit both existing organizations and new companies in the public and private sector in Kenya. The training followed three stages:

1. What does the consumer want: desirability
2. Operational management: feasibility
3. Is it affordable to produce ánd use: viability

Real businesses were assessed using the business model canvas methodology, based on the experience of the training participants themselves and a real life business case in forms of a company visit to Total Exporters Company in Nairobi, transporting French beans and various vegetables to the EU.

The training facilitated the discussion of actual business cases the participants had and how to improve businesses and overcome challenges using various approaches. Team management was not left out as personal development was also included as starting point for role and task division within the organizations used as business cases and the opportunities and challenges that come with interpersonal dynamics.

As a result of the training week, the participants presented BMCs for new and existing business ideas as starting point to go into the field and do it. Because after all, it is DOING business rather than talking about business that creates real value!

We look back at a successful training week full of fruitful discussions and real life experiences. Thank you to the enthusiastic participants, thank you for hosting us Kenya School of Government and Total Exporters Kenya and thank you for organizing, FPEAK and KSA!