Territorial Economic Development Programme – PRODET


While the Las Segovias region has been marked by high levels of poverty, it is also characterised by its potential for economic development, albeit with only limited manufacturing activities. The programme will promote territorial economic development in ten municipalities and will contribute to benefit over 5000 microenterprises – owned mainly by women – and members of cooperatives from an increase in income by adding value to their products and through better sales due to improved access to markets.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Nicaragua
Employment & economic development
SME development
Urban development
Rural development
01.08.2014 - 31.03.2024
CHF  9’860’000
Background

Nicaragua has experienced a constant economic growth, along with a reduction in poverty rates with different level of progress among regions. In the north of the country lies the region of Las Segovias, which is made up of three departments (Nueva Segovia, Madriz and Estelí), whose economy is based almost entirely on agriculture. In addition to primary production, microenterprises provide rural families with additional income, notwithstanding their limited managerial / investment capacities, and financing restrictions. Given this situation, PRODET seeks to promote activities that add value and facilitate access to financing through adaptation of the government’s successful mechanisms and programmes. 

Objectives

A total of 5,750 micro-entrepreneurs and cooperative members from ten municipalities in Las Segovias increase their income by 20% and contribute to generating 3,200 new jobs.

Target groups

  • 4,250 microenterprises (at least 2,250 headed by women of the Food Production Package)
  • 1,500 members from 20 cooperatives
  • Ten (10) Municipalities

Medium-term outcomes
  1. Microenterprises increase their productivity and competitiveness by promoting added value / transformation of economic activities and access to markets.
  2. Microentrepreneurs strengthen their managerial and productive capacities.
  3. Municipalities’ capacities are strengthened to promote services to micro-enterprises and a favourable economic environment. 
Results

Expected results:  

  • 4,000 individual business plans, 20 business plans for cooperatives
  • 5 market studies carried out
  • Commercial spaces (fairs) arranged at both local and national level
  • Commercial alliances implemented and collective brands promoted
  • Trust fund in operation
  • Technicians and micro-entrepreneurs are trained and advised
  • Knowledge management, inovation through alliances and exchanges
  • Spaces for harmonisation and consensus in the municipalities
  • Improved attention to and formalization of microenterprises


Results from previous phases:  

  • A detailed socioeconomic study of the area selected for intervention
  • Mapping of other interventions and identification of possible synergies
  • Negotiation and joint formulation of the programme document with three government institutions (MEFCCA, INIFOM and INATEC)
  • Definition of criteria to ensure the coordination of the technical assistance to be provided


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO
Private sector
Foreign state institution
Swiss Non-profit Organisation
  • Central State of South East
  • Foreign private sector South/East
  • Swisscontact


Other partners

  • Ten (10) municipalities in the area of intervention
  • Nicaraguan Municipal Development Institute  (INIFOM)
  • National Technological Institute (INATEC)

Coordination with other projects and actors

  • National Production, Consumption and Commerce System (SNPCC), including more than eight government institutions related to the sector
  • SDC Professional Training Programme (INATEC- Swisscontact)
  • SDC Dipilto Watershed Management Programme  (MARENA)
  • Agribusiness programme financed by Canada (MEFCCA)

Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    9’860’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    9’783’019
Project phases Phase 1 01.08.2014 - 31.03.2024   (Current phase)