Mekelle Farms: Poultry Entrepreneurship in Ethiopia Case Solution And Analysis, HBR Case Study Solution & Analysis of Harvard Case Studies

After deciding to transform a former government-owned domestic fowl farm in Ethiopia, two American company associates encounter challenges related to delivery, stock management, input prices, government connections, and other key challenges which are common to entrepreneurs operating in an emerging market context. The partners identify Ethiopia as a country in which to establish their company because of its favorable investment climate, and they choose to pursue poultry due to considerable latent demand as well as a dearth of providers.

The partners address by fixing their business model to restrain a more limited set of risks, many of the challenges they confront. In lieu of raising and slaughtering the chickens themselves, they develop a network of rural farmers to raise the day old chicks to maturity, empowering the farmers to make a profit as well. The partners also produce a close relationship with all the government, leaning on them for the areas where the government shines; namely, messaging, communication, and farmer mobilization. The public therefore aided identifying rural farmers that could assist raise the day-old chicks and evaluated customers for those rural farmers for the meat along with eggs. The model has proved robust and impactful. Rural farmers who have disproportionately been women now and who have opted to work with Mekelle Farms have a significant source of income. The community also has access to domestic fowl strains that produce more meat and eggs in less time than local varieties, consequently leading to better income and nutritional outcomes.

PUBLICATION DATE: January 10, 2014 PRODUCT #: IDE05-HCB-ENG

This is just an excerpt. This case is about LEADERSHIP & MANAGING PEOPLE