Nexus

Sustainable rural development

WECONNEX’ NEXUS projects target to upgrade the lives of rural communities in BoP markets. NEXUS is an innovative and holistic approach to develop smallholder farmer and fishermen communities. It brings know-how and technical solutions to rural areas – and makes sure they unfold their full effect and thus generate value for the community.

Concept

Inclusive & holistic

A local NEXUS company, owned by the locals and the investors, implements so-called NEXUS Centers in the villages. A center provides the previously lacking infrastructure & services for fishermen, farmers and the communities, such as safe drinking water, electricity, refrigeration, agricultural services etc. The services in each center are adapted to local needs and conditions.

The NEXUS company buys the products from the smallholders and organises processing, logistics and sales. Due to an accumulated volume, an improved quality and a higher value of the products, it can generate a margin, which is higher than for a producer selling individually to middlemen or endcustomers. Eventually, profits will be shared between all shareholders of the NEXUS organisation.

Impact

Improvements on three levels

 

 

Social

The projects create local jobs, increase income and improve people’s health. Villages are strengthened and employment potential for future generations is improved. Women empowerment is a core element of the NEXUS Projects. There is a direct and sustainable enhancement of people’s living conditions.

 

Ecological

Compliance with state of the art procedures for sustainable farming and fishing and their enforcement ensure a responsible use of natural resources. Of particular importance is using the market as leverage to incite and achieve an overall sustainable production. The upgrade of technologies enables a sound ecological development of the region.

 

Economic

The smallholders make a stable income, which leads to the economic development of the region. By selling the infrastructure services at fair prices, the local operators earn an income and the centers generate sustainable profit. These profits are attractive for commercial investors and allow organic scaling and therefore contribute to reaching the SDGs by 2030.

Implementation

NEXUS Projects worldwide

Operational

  • Nepal: Supporting farmers by offering them training, know-how, technological infrastructure and a platform to reach a larger market.
  • Madagascar: NEXUS provides access to fishing infrastructure and training for fishermen while also coordinating and enhancing the market access through a cold chain. » find out more

Planning

  • Indonesia: Planning to establish resilient NEXUS Centers in farming villages with a focus on rice cultivation.
  • Zimbabwe: Planning to implement an energy efficient processing facility to increase capacity and efficiency in agriculture.
  • Bénin / Togo: Planning to establish NEXUS Centers with a focus on sustainable agriculture and forestry.