Annabel Khouri in Kenya
One Acre Fund (OAF) is an NGO that works with small-scale farmers in East Africa (currently Kenya and Rwanda). The organization operates like a business. It provides loans of farming inputs, such as seed and fertilizer, to farmers at the beginning of the growing season. Farmers receive training from OAF field staff on land preparation, proper use of the inputs, and cultivation to ensure a bountiful harvest. When the crop matures, the farmer repays the loan with a portion of the harvest. OAF consolidates the harvest and sells it on the open market to the highest bidder. Primarily local staff runs the day-to-day operations. The founder is American and manages the programs and fundraising. Skilled foreigners are recruited to work on special projects.
What is the organization/company doing well?
The organization does a good job of working with local people and resources to meet its goals. Working through locals has proven to be the most effective method of gaining buy-in from customers leading to better results. The organization also benefits from a professional and committed staff. Many staff members are related by marriage or otherwise and this has actually been very successful and beneficial to OAF.
Where could the organization/company improve?
Organizational processes and communication between employees could be improved upon. The organization is still quite young and, consequently, is still learning the best methods for how to operate.
What are some aspects of the local cultural that should be understood when foreigners consider doing business in this country?
The local culture is very warm and inviting. One aspect that needs to be considered by locals wanting to do business is that you will likely be perceived as being wealthy. People often ask for money or assistance with material goods. This is probably a result of the history of numerous well-funded (and most likely well-intentioned) NGOs bringing money and goods to try to uplift the standard of living. The NGO completes its project and the money and goods eventually run out leaving the locals back in the same position they were in when the NGO arrived.
Another problem that exists in Kenya is tribalism, which recently exploded following dubious presidential election results. While most Kenyans are very friendly, this is something to keep in mind when doing business.
What are some aspects of the local business environment (e.g. registration of company, government’s role in business, business items unique to this country) that should be understood when foreigners and locals consider doing business in this country?
Although I do not know the statistics on this, it appears the majority of businesses are owned by Indians, foreigners and Kikuyus, the largest tribe in Kenya. That being said, if one has access to capital, there is really no limit to doing business. If you want to be legitimate, you probably have to go through some sort of registration process. All businesses are required to display their license to operate along with a photo of the current president.
What were the direct and indirect results/deliverables as a result of your placement? Please be as specific as possible. Please provide both soft and hard examples. Hard examples include number of clients/people trained, dollars raised, people impacted, etc)
My final deliverable was a binder of materials designed to allow a newly hired field director to launch a new OAF site. This binder (two actually) included high-level narratives that explained the purpose of each phase of launch, training scripts for training staff, handouts for staff and customers, and tools for the director to use. The bulk of the materials surrounded the recruitment, hiring, and training of field staff.
This manual was utilized to launch sites in two other regions (another district in Kenya and a site in Rwanda). The materials were translated into Kirwandan and French for the Rwanda program. The result of the Kenya expansion resulted in 12 new hires from a pool of 37 candidates. The 12 new hires were tasked with recruiting 100 new customers each for a projected total of 1200 new customers.
Are there opportunities in this field (e.g… health, agriculture or finance) for local and international entrepreneurs?
The model that OAF uses suggests a market exists in Kenya for entrepreneurs to provide goods/services in the field of agriculture.
Questions about Personal Experience:
Why are you interested in international development and private sector development?
I enjoy working with people from different cultures and experiencing life outside of North America.
Originally, why did you want to participate in this program?
I wanted to utilize my skills to assist an organization working at a grassroots level and this opportunity seemed like a perfect fit.
What were your main challenges, both personally and professionally?
Initially, it was challenging to understand my role, but after a week it became clear what was needed. Personally, it was challenging being away from family, but 3 months is such a short period of time and the experience is so enriching and worthwhile.
Was the monthly stipend of $1,000US/month sufficient and how, if needed, would you change the way and what MBAs Without Borders financially covers?
The stipend was fine for the area of Kenya in which I was working.
What advice would you like to offer future MBAs who work abroad for MBAs Without Borders?
Keep a sense of humor and try to be patient; things will not happen overnight.
Why would you recommend others to participate on MWB programs?
I would recommend MWB because I had an incredibly rewarding experience. This program allowed me to utilize the skills gained academically and professionally to assist my host organization.
What are some of your goals and aspirations (i.e. job, personal, etc), that you are planning for once this placement has concluded?
I am conducting market research to determine whether local food distribution is being served adequately. I want to be part of the local food economy providing goods from local farmers to restaurants, grocery stores, and institutions within a 50-mile radius.