10/01/2026
Many agribusinesses small and medium believe their biggest problem is access to finance, low and inconsistent farm gate prices and other market dynamics. Having worked closely with these businesses, the real issue is often weak or nonexistent systems, Poor record-keeping, unclear roles, informal decision-making, and the absence of standard operating procedures that businesses fragile, regardless of how much money is injected. Funding without systems only amplifies inefficiencies. These inefficiencies often lead to low yields and or outright loss of yields through fraud and theft.
When consultants and external advisors push for simple systems in place, governance structures, and basic controls, some business owners see it as unnecessary paperwork or a waste of time everything in agribusiness has money value be it Inputs,Labour,Land ,Raw and final products and sometimes even waste. If not well managed and controlled they can lead to serious losses and sometimes collapse of the business. Strong systems signal seriousness, credibility, and readiness to scale.
Time and again, agribusinesses with modest capital but strong systems outperform better-funded peers that operate informally. Systems create discipline, improve productivity, reduce losses, and make growth predictable rather than accidental. Money follows structure—not the other way around.
If agribusiness MSMEs want to grow sustainably, the conversation must shift from “What is the farm gate price?” to “Is my business structured to handle cash flows and protect my revenues ?” Consultants are not slowing businesses down with systems; we are preparing them to survive growth.
Growth is not not by luck. Growth is by design.
~~Nicholas Kahiga
