The first edition of the Foire de l'Agripreneuriat et des Secteurs Associés, organized by Job Booster Chad Entreprise (JBC-E), will be held on November 25 and 30, 2023, at the Centre de Lecture Publique et d'Animation Culturelle (CLAC) in Gounou-Gaya and Doba respectively.
FAPSA background
The fair is part of the Projet d'Amélioration des Services Ruraux par le Développement de l'Agripreneuriat dans la zone du sud du Tchad, a joint initiative of IDH and JBC-E. This initiative is part of IDH's territorial approach, whose vision is to strengthen the resilience of farming communities in southern Chad. This vision will be achieved by pursuing objectives based on three pillars: Production, Protection and Inclusion. The theme chosen for this first edition is: strengthening the resilience of rural producers through training and social inclusion. It's a theme that immediately underlines the main thrust of the initiative, and is fully in line with its overall objective.
After a year of support focused on training, coaching and mentoring, JBC-C, which is in charge of implementing this initiative, is now assessing the effects of its activities on the growth of 130 rural micro-entrepreneurs in the Doba and Gounou-Gaya zones, the two provinces in which the initiative is based. In many ways, the Agripreneurship and Associated Sectors Fair (FAPSA) represents an important step in the process of establishing a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in rural areas, one that helps to stimulate innovation, strengthen value chains, improve rural productivity and, above all, contribute to poverty reduction.
FAPSA's objectives
More than 60 exhibitors in several categories (agricultural production, animal production, local product processing, agricultural and non-agricultural services) are taking part in this first edition. The fair's objectives include:
- Promote and sell the products of micro-entrepreneurs supported by the initiative, helping them to generate income, acquire new customers and build valuable connections with potential customers and partners for sustainability beyond the initiative period.
- Highlight the achievements and effects of the initiative through testimonials and impact stories.
- Help generate interest and potential partnerships from local players including businesses, NGOs, and the state who may be involved in future initiatives to develop the rural entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Help maintain the momentum and visibility of rural entrepreneurship, which can inspire new entrepreneurs and partners even after the initiative has come to an end.
FAPSA's main structures
A number of activities are planned for this event, including exhibitions and sales, information workshops, various entertainment and, above all, networking activities. In addition to the primary objective of assessing the results, the aim is also to enable entrepreneurs from the two zones to meet, exchange and share experiences relating to the support they have received under the IDH project. This event is therefore a godsend for these rural entrepreneurs, who will be able to capitalize on the involvement of the various players brought together for possible business opportunities.
The event will be attended by traditional and administrative authorities from the two provinces, entrepreneurs, cooperatives and local development associations, as well as the partners supporting us in the implementation of this initiative. The general public and promoters of income-generating activities are also invited to take part in this event, which we believe will be a great celebration of rural entrepreneurship and provide opportunities for all.
