Market Systems Facilitation

Completed in September 2023, the training has empowered facilitators who are now actively engaged in value chain analysis and applied learning projects, contributing significantly to the ongoing efforts to strengthen Hawaiʻi Island's agricultural economy.

The training program aimed to build the capacity of agricultural professionals to:

• Understand the Market Ecosystem: Gain a deep understanding of the complexities within key agricultural value chains in Hawaiʻi.

• Collaborate Effectively: Work alongside producer groups to analyze systemic constraints and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Develop Demand-Driven Strategies: Formulate strategies that promote inclusive growth and enhance producer profitability.

  
  

Program Highlights

Participants engaged in an applied learning approach that combined theoretical knowledge with practical application:

• Market Systems Development Concepts: Introduced the principles and guiding concepts of market systems development.

• Facilitation Skills: Developed abilities to lead teams, manage stakeholder dynamics, and foster collaborative environments.

• Value Chain Analysis Techniques: Learned to use value chain analysis as a diagnostic

• Real-World Application: Facilitators applied their training by leading teams through data collection, analysis, and strategy development.

• Ongoing Support and Networking: Facilitators remain connected, accessing tools and resources to continue analyzing market systems and fostering collaborations for change.

  
  

Impact and Outcomes

• Enhanced Capacity: Facilitators have developed robust skills in market systems thinking and are effectively applying these skills to drive change.

• Continued Engagement: The facilitators are actively involved in the Value Chain Analysis project, ensuring continuity and depth in our market systems work.

• Community Building: Strengthened relationships among professionals, producers, and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing systemic issues.

  
  

Acknowledgments

This program was made possible through a grant from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture through the Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. We are grateful for their support in advancing sustainable agriculture and building capacity within Hawaiʻi's agricultural sector.

Looking Forward

The trained facilitators will continue to play a pivotal role in the Market Systems Development Initiative by:

• Analyzing Market Systems: Ongoing assessment of market dynamics to identify systemic constraints and opportunities.

• Developing Strategies for Change: Crafting and implementing interventions aimed at systemic transformation.

• Fostering Collaborations: Engaging with a broad network of stakeholders to promote inclusive growth and resilience.

  
  

Get Involved

We invite you to join us in our mission to transform Hawaiʻi's agricultural landscape:

• Collaborate with Facilitators: Engage in projects and initiatives led by our trained facilitators.

• Participate in Future Trainings: Express interest in upcoming training opportunities to build your own capacity in market systems facilitation.

• Contribute Insights and Feedback: Share your experiences to enrich our collective understanding and impact.