Farmers organizations can play an important role in building bridges between suppliers and buyers by facilitating policy dialogue, access to funding, and providing a forum for experience sharing and synergies. While farmers organizations have the potential to benefit members through economies of scale and increased bargaining power, they must avoid developing dependent attitudes, conflicts of interest, or distorting markets. Effective farmers organizations focus on building member capacities, developing business plans, and engaging in market-oriented activities rather than political or dependent behaviors.

1. Role of Farmers Organization in
Building Bridges between Suppliers
&
Buyers

2. Facilitation of FO
 Pitfalls
• Dependence on Leadership
• Dependent Attitude
• Conflict of Interest
• Market Distortion
 Potentials
o Policy dialogue (Lobby)
o Better access to funding( both public & private)

3. Benefits of FO
• Economy of scale
• Increase Bargaining Power
• Provide forum for synergies, exchange
ideas & experiences
• Social Cohesion
• Better inclusiveness into market
systems(innovation)

4. Roles of FO
Should do Shouldn’t Do
Building capacities of
the members
Dependence Attitude
Develop Business plan Cheat their members
Should be market
oriented and Realistic
Political activities

5. Roles of Helvetas
Should do Shouldn’t Do
Facilitation not
implementations
Replace existing market
actors
Bring Innovations Create dependence
attitude among partners
Focus on Systemic
approach
Overlap with other donors

6. Good Practices
• Better access to Finance
• Saving Funds
• Inclusiveness (women involvement,
marginalized groups)
• Policy dialogue
• Joint/collective purchase of inputs,
marketing

7. Lesson Learnt
• Avoid market distortion
• Strong & committed leadership
• Dependency Syndrome
• Solid/Sound Business Plan
• Involvement of Private sector
• Be patience