Supporting Dairy Marketing Initiatives in Nicaragua

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Partners’ Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Program provides technical assistance along all levels of an agricultural value chain. This means that F2F volunteers may have expertise that is not related to production or the specifics of an agricultural product but may provide training in more cross-cutting areas. Last month, F2F volunteer, Diane Griffin, returned from her assignment in Nicaragua after spending two weeks providing technical assistance in marketing and strategic planning to three dairy cooperatives –COOPROLECHE, Nicarao, and CANISLAC.  Diane’s strong background in business development, leadership and management, and strategic planning allowed her to support the leadership of these organizations in several ways.

Diane with CANISLAC and F2F staff.
At COOPROLECHE, Diane mapped out business partners, donors, suppliers, and consumers in order to illustrate the strategic relationships that exist within their value chain.  She also supported COOPROLECHE in identifying opportunities to maximize their organization’s strengths and mitigate their weaknesses. During a marketing training for Nicarao, Diane helped identify how members of the organization contribute individually and collectively in shaping the future goals and objectives of the cooperative, thereby increasing members’ motivation and sense of ownership. Finally, Diane supported the development of CANISLAC’s Dairy Consumption Campaign by facilitating discussion on the direction and goals of their campaign and providing recommendations on how to address information gaps. Her work has helped COOPROLECHE, Nicarao, and CANISLAC identify organizational goals and develop a plan for achieving them.

Diane leading a workshop for Nicarao's leadership.
To read more about Diane’s experience in Nicaragua check out her blog here. Or to find out how to become a F2F volunteer and share your skills, visit the Partners website.


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