October 25 - November 12, 2010
May 30 - June 17, 2011
October 24 - November 11, 2011
Livelihoods and Markets
Purpose
For poor producers around the world globalization has meant more competition and less ability to increase the value of their products. Organizations that support such producers (largely micro and small entrepreneurs) need to understand how best to prepare their target groups for this change and to enhance access to markets. This three-week certificate focuses on sustainable livelihoods and market development approaches for the poor and presents a detailed introduction to cluster, sub-sector and value chain approaches. It will also share the latest methodologies and practices for sub-sector and value-chain analysis, strategies and programs.
Participants will learn how these approaches help address key constraints for micro and small producers such as market access, input supply, technology / product development, management training, policy reform, and access to finance. Participants will share and learn about experiences where community-based and member-owned institutions have contributed to ensuring greater distributive justice in value chains (rewards / profits are distributed fairly among all value chain partners). The program will suit both those who want a strong introduction to this growing field, and practitioners from the area of micro and small enterprises who may be looking to design programs that incorporate the latest thinking in value chain and market development.
Objectives
As a result of the specialization participants will:
- Place 'local' in a 'global' context and better understand the relationship between global markets and livelihoods of the poor;
- Understand how sub-sector, cluster development and value chain approaches are related and how these in turn differ from conventional approaches to livelihoods development;
- Know how to conduct sub-sector and value chain analysis through market assessments;
- Identify opportunities and constraints from a selection of cases from Latin America, Africa and Asia;
- Evolve a range of market driven strategies that enable micro and small enterprises to gain a competitive advantage, i.e differentiation, building inter firm or business unit relationships, technology, outsourcing, embedded services, etc., which can build on or address identified constraints and opportunities.
Method
The program will draw on participants' own experiences to examine potential issues and problems involved in making markets work for poor producers. It will also use a case study approach and problem-based learning to investigate key issues which learners must solve in groups or individually.
Assessment
The program assessment will be based on participation in groups, class discussions and presentations.
Where the program is offered
The Coady's educational programs are offered at the Institute's facilities on the historic campus of St. Francis Xavier University. The campus is nestled in the heart of Eastern Canada's scenic coastal town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. With a population of 5,000, Antigonish boasts a diverse heritage, rich in Scottish, Irish, Aboriginal, French and African-Canadian ancestry.
Resources
The Coady Institute offers its participants access to:
- A library specializing in adult education and community-based development literature
- Comfortable residences
- All university facilities, including computer labs, athletic facilities, campus library and dining hall
- Many on-campus activities including guest lecture series, socials, intramurals, theatre and music
Fees
Program costs are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to revision.
| Tuition | Room & Board | Total |
| $2,000 | $1,000 | $3,000 |
Scholarships
Applicants from developing countries are eligible for Coady Institute scholarships and bursaries that cover most of the cost of tuition, room and board. This support is the result of generous funding from the Canadian International Development Agency and a number of individual and institutional donors. Specific scholarships are available through the Coady-MasterCard Foundation’s Scholars Program for Certificates in Community-Based Microfinance and Livelihoods and Markets, both on campus and online. Special efforts are made to enable women and aboriginal peoples to attend. The Coady Institute is not able to support the cost of travel.
Admission requirements
Participants should meet the following requirements:
- At least two years of relevant professional experience, preferably related to participatory development
- Mid to senior level position with an organization working in development
- University degree (preferred) and/or other relevant education