Dan Clay takes a turn at the machine which strips the pulp off the coffee cherries, while Jean-Claude Bizimana looks on. (Photo by Sue Nichols, University Relations, MSU)

How PEARL works and why PEARL works

In a world of complex problems, PEARL has an elegant simplicity:  

• Help farmers organize associations/cooperatives (and commodity groups as they form) to pool essential resources. It's a way to reach large numbers quickly and efficiently.

• Work through partnerships, pulling in the private sector to create close relationships with industry and with universities around the world, for broad-based knowledge, for an edge in the market and for sustainability.

• Stop meeting and start doing. In deference to planning, analysis and clear thinking, solutions emerge naturally from action, not from drawn out planning.

• Understand and accept risk. In failing one can see more clearly what is required for success.

• Let the market guide the project, and keep focused on generating income for farmers. If a project investment can help meet market demand chances of success are much higher.

• Focus on complete agricultural product supply chains "from farm to table."  For example, PEARL project has worked with farmer associations to improve product at all stages of the production, processing and marketing process of specialty coffee.

• Ensure local government buy-in and support.

• Place emphasis on local ownership and management.

• Build a program of applied research that will address practical needs of the farmer and commodity associations.

• Never overlook human resource training. It is essential to build institutions to train agricultural scientists, agribusiness managers, and other professionals who can provide technical and managerial leadership.

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