Theory of Change

IF

MEDA provides business and technical expertise: advisory services and linkages for building and strengthening supply chains, including:

• Investment readiness, shifting SMEs in emerging economies from reliance on concessional to conventional finance
• Innovation and technology adoption for efficient and sustainable scaling up
• Gender equality and social inclusion for equitable business and supply chain operations that benefit all
• Environment sustainability to help firms and entrepreneurs adapt to the changing climate and engage in sustainable production
• Connections between agri-food market actors through networks, business associations and supportive platforms for shared learning and collaboration

AND blended finance: concessional debt, equity and incentive financing to help firms and entrepreneurs grow their businesses sustainably and equitably, creating more and better work

TO

Small-scale food producers and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within agri-food market systems

IN partnership with South and North-based organizations, businesses, and networks such as:

• Research and academic institutions
• Financial institutions
• Emerging market funds
• Business associations
• Public sector stakeholders
• Civil society organizations

THEN

MEDA will contribute to sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all (SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth).

This will result in a variety of positive outcomes for:

Small-scale Food Producers

• Decent entrepreneurial work: for women, men, and youth, providing them with dignity, equality, a fair income and safe working conditions
• Progress: ability to transition from the informal to the formal economy, accessing better health care and education options
• Resilience: ability to anticipate, absorb, and recover from economic, climate, and social shocks
• Empowerment: access to knowledge and resources, and agency to lead one’s business activities regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity
• Food security: access to appropriate and nutritious food at all times

Small & Medium-sized Enterprises

• Operational stability: secured supply chains based on win-win business relationships
  Sustainable, inclusive growth: business practices that create valuable jobs for women and youth, while investing in environmentally-responsible production
• Investment readiness: concessional finance, advisory services, and technology incentives to prepare for scaling up