OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
ACDI/VOCA’s history is deeply rooted in volunteerism. Our Volunteer Programs have mobilized over 12,000 volunteers to more than 130 countries. In 2022, the USAID Zambia Enterprise Development and Growth Enhanced (EDGE) Activity, led by ACDI/VOCA, engaged volunteers to increase the profitability of agricultural small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by addressing key constraints, such as limited business skills, use of technology, access to markets, and affordable finance. Two such volunteers were financial specialist Ziming Rao and agribusiness management specialist Mark Wade, who worked with local Zambian SMEs both remotely and in-person.
A SNAPSHOT OF OUR 2022 VOLUNTEER IMPACT
Ziming Rao led trainings for Zambian SMEs on bookkeeping, budgeting, and other financial management tools. She also trained them in how to develop business plans to generate growth, employment, and access to finance. The new business plans acted as a selling tool for the SMEs, allowing them to pursue bank loans and microfinance loans for which they did not previously qualify.
“We now stand a better chance of accessing finance, as we can confidently approach financial services providers and negotiate for favorable conditions on financial products. Since the training, we have made three loan applications, which we are hopeful of getting.” — Lackson Phiri, a Zambian business owner who participated in volunteer Ziming Rao’s training
Mark Wade worked with Zambian SMEs in the poultry, aquaculture, groundnuts, horticulture, honey, and animal feed value chains. He provided training on strategic marketing of agricultural products, including how to assess niche and alternative markets, produce grading standards, create food packaging, and ensure food safety and sanitation.
“I never understood the importance of contracting in agriculture…Contracting will help me and the farmers to agree on how the crops will be grown, giving an assurance for quality, quantity, and a ready market for the farmers.” — Tilo Tembo, a Zambian business owner who participated in volunteer Mark Wade’s training
With the help of volunteer experts, the participating SMEs in Zambia are better equipped to produce consistent, high-quality products, identify new markets, plan strategically, and apply for new financing. Their growing businesses mean more jobs and income to benefit their communities.
