GASIP has adopted the Cluster Model for Value Chain Development. The model for engaging smallholder farmers follows a three-tier arrangement: a business partner who is the Value Chain Cluster Driver (VCD), (ii) the VCD identifies and links up with Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs) who have a membership base comprised of resource-poor Smallholder Farmers (SHFs).

The VCD is the nucleus of the model and is usually a private limited company or cooperative or NGO. The key attributes of the VCD is that the entity should have a linkage to FBOs/SHFs that form the supply base of farm produce to the VCD. The VCD should have a well-defined market and buy-back/offtake arrangement from the FBO/SHFs. The VCD should commit to setup an out-grower scheme for the FBO/SHFs and to support them with production inputs such as improved seed, fertilizers, and pesticides /services.

Value chain actors (cluster drivers, primary producers, farmers and farmer-based organizations, input dealers, mechanization service providers, processors, aggregators and marketers) can submit actionable proposals/business ideas directly to GASIP and pinpoint exactly the type of support required from GASIP along the selected Value Chains.  Proposal may range from simple requests for production inputs, matching grants for equipment, to requests for market and producer linkages. Requests can also cover infrastructure such as storage and processing facilities, mechanization equipment  for land preparation in order to raise productivity among others. These proposals will be evaluated and ranked by evaluation committees using transparent and standardized criteria.

GASIP will support the applicants through: - Technical assistance for the development of feasible projects or sound business plans as needed: from business ideas to full-edged proposal - Facilitation of formal commercial relationships between agribusinesses, smallholders, public and private service providers, and input suppliers.
GASIP recognizes the potential negative impacts of climate change on agriculture and will ensure that all promoted businesses adopt appropriate climate change adaptation measures such as conservation agriculture practices (eg. minimum or no-tillage, organic mulching), energy and water-saving (eg. drip and localized irrigation, watershed management approach), integrated pest management, bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers.

Partnering GASIP – The process flow