Techno-Links - Technology Links for Improved Access and Incomes

TLThe goal of TECHNO-LINKS is to increase the productivity and income generating opportunities of 5,000 small scale farmers in Peru and Nicaragua as a result of the improved capacity of agriculture technology suppliers to reach small farmers.
With funding from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the InterAmerican Development Bank's (IADB) Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF), TECHNO-LINKS uses a Competitive Agriculture Matching Grant mechanism to support eligible agriculture technology vendors who present solid business proposals to establish commercial distribution of technologies suited to small farmers. Grants are made on a 1:1 matching basis – one dollar grant for every dollar invested by grant recipients in their business. Over the course of the project, 20 grant recipients will be awarded grants of up to $60,000.

Results to date:

PHASE I
Phase I of the Techno-Links selection process was completed in March 2012. After the submission of 45 concept notes and the development of 11 business plans, six matching grant recipients (3 in Peru, 3 in Nicaragua) were chosen by a selection committee made up of experts in agriculture, technology adoption and finance throughout Canada, United States and Latin America. The committee took into consideration the viability of ideas presented, its relation to the market and the private sector, and its potential impact to promote the use of technology, among other criteria. Implementation of these plans began in April 2012. 

PHASE II
Phase II of Techno-Links selection process was completed in October 2012. As a result of the submission of 115 concept notes and the development of 30 business plans, fourteen matching grant recipients (7 in Peru, 7 in Nicaragua) were chosen by a selection committee made up of experts in agriculture, technology adoption and finance throughout Canada, United States and Latin America. The evaluation committee took into consideration the viability of ideas presented, its relation to the market and the private sector, and its potential impact to promote the use of technology, among other criteria. Implementation of these plans began in November 2012.

Techno-Links wins $10,000 GAIN award for promoting environmentally sustainable agriculture technologies  
GAIN (Global Adaptation Institute) has recognized MEDA’s Techno-Links project as positive example of how the private and public sector can work together to help the world’s most vulnerable adapt to climate change. Full article.

Click here for more information on the 20 Techno-Links matching grant recipients.  

Project Quick Facts

Goal: To increase the productivity of small farmers in Peru, Nicaragua and Zambia as a result of their improved access to agricultural technology.

Reaching: 5,000 clients, including small farmers and agriculture technology suppliers

Funding: Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)

Project Length: 2011- 2014