Module 1: How and when to do mapping and profiling of farmers’ organizations

Why is FO mapping and profiling essential?

• To increase knowledge of existing FOs and of how they are being formed, at all geographical levels, in a given country.
• To determine the FO situation in selected areas. Do FOs already exist in specific value chains? Are there any existing “generic” or “farmers’ union organizations”? What are the main commodities grown in the area?
• To identify the strengths and weaknesses of existing FOs, in particular: (i) their comparative advantage in specific activities/economic services; (ii) their institutional capacity to provide services to their members.
• To select FOs the project will partner or collaborate with.