The Role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Agricultural Cooperatives in Promoting Sustainable Agriculture for Rural Development and Food Security?

The Research Council (TRC), under its Program, ?Adapting Towards Sustainable Development Research Program?, has commissioned this Study to assist in its strategic research deliberations under its thematic area of, ?Sustainable Agriculture for Rural development and Food Security?. This study will focus on ?The Role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Agricultural Cooperatives to Promote Sustainable Agriculture for Rural Development and Food Security". Work Objectives ? Examine the current status, challenges, opportunities and gaps that remain in the advancement of SMEs and Agricultural Cooperatives to promote sustainable agriculture for food security and rural development; ? Identify stakeholder views on the priority issues associated with the advancement of SMEs and Agricultural Cooperatives initiatives; ? Draw upon international and regional experiences regarding the development of SMEs and Agricultural Cooperatives; ? Suggest a foundation for developing strategic options to meet existing challenges through a possible ?pilot study?, which will be conducted following the presentation of the findings and recommendations of this study in a national workshop.