Publication database

This report examines the value of regular, standardized assessments of Farmer Organisations, how this assessment process links to the capacities developed, and how quickly these capacities can be improved. It also analyses whether this improved “professionalism” leads to improved outcomes in the value chain. It also looks at the growing use of ICT.

UNDP ‘s Ecosystem Development Approach provides a tried-and-tested methodology for bringing stakeholders together around a shared objective. Pilots in Lesotho, Senegal and Uganda show that the approach effectively enables collaboration, e.g. for more inclusive tourism, access to energy or mobile money, even beyond the end of the program. We documented the pilots and insights – so others can replicate the approach.

This document presents ENERGIA’s four-year journey to create and upscale womencentric energy enterprises that sell safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions to low-income consumers in underserved areas. As a learning document, it seeks to analyse the various strategies with which ENERGIA has worked in different contexts. It draws out common features of the most promising ones, as well as lessons from efforts that did not go so well, or even failed completely.

This report maps the supply chains catering to the Base of the Pyramid for solar portable lanterns 'SPLs' in Senegal. It identifies the distribution models and opportunities to leverage existing networks and channels; the success factors, lessons learned and the distribution channels of comparative products that represent a valid entry point for SPLs.

In Senegal mutual health organizations (MHOs) have been present in the greater region of Thies for years. Despite their efforts and the benefits they bring to low-income population, in some areas, take up rates remain low. The authors of Research Paper #14 ran an insurance literacy module, communicating the benefits of health microinsurance and explaining MHOs work, to a randomly selected sample of households in the city of Thies. The effects of the training, and three vouchers offering refunds and additional education were evaluated using a randomized control trial. The authors find that the insurance literacy module had no impact on the demand for health microinsurance, but that their marketing intervention had a significant effect on the take up decisions of households.

The aim of Research Paper #2 conducted by researchers at the University of Otago is to analyse the determinants of the use of curative care from qualified workers in Senegal, an area where 94% of the population does not have health insurance coverage. While most studies focus on characteristics of the demand for health care, this study also examines characteristics of the closest facility to analyse the impact of accessibility in addition to price and quality of medical services on health-seeking behaviour. The study reveals that household economic status, price, and quality of care are important determinants of the likelihood of seeking treatment from a qualified provider.

This case study analyses the business model, market segment, successes and challenges, and potential scalability of Afrique Initiatives which operates two distinct services in Senegal: Pesinet, a not-for-profit health care organisation, and St. Louis Net, a for-profit IT services company.