Day 4 of the LPRES SME-PFI Regional Training delivered interactive sessions focused on risk management, loan applications, and value chain strategies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the event empowered participants with practical tools for livestock commercialization. Building on prior days’ momentum—such as Day 3’s engaging discussions—this session emphasized actionable insights for productivity and resilience. It aligned with L-PRES goals of enhancing credit access and reducing financial barriers in rural economies. Participants explored SME lending risks, including correlated agricultural risks from weather and price volatility. Sessions covered risk-sharing facilities, credit bureaus, and collateral innovations to build lender confidence. Interactive elements allowed SMEs to discuss mitigation strategies tailored to livestock chains.
Hands-on training demystified loan processes, focusing on realistic risk-adjusted pricing and longer-term credit for value chains. Attendees learned application steps, required documentation, and PFI partnerships to overcome high transaction costs. This equipped SMEs to secure funding for scaling operations. Discussions highlighted value chain financing models, from input credit to joint ventures, using chain linkages for risk reduction. Examples included producer-driven financing and integrated services for farm-to-market growth. The sessions fostered collaboration between SMEs, paving the way for sustainable livestock development in Enugu and beyond.
