Articles

Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation Practices for Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation, and their Limitations: A Case of Coffee Farming Households in Southwestern Uganda

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Effectiveness of Climate change adaptation programmes and projects is anchored in Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) approaches. A Qualitative study was therefore conducted in Ntungamo district, southwestern Uganda to: i) establish the PM&E practices used by the district Local Government (LG) on programs in enhancing climate change adaptation among coffee farming households, ii) identify the bottle necks in PM&E practices for interventions focused on improving climate change adaptations among coffee farming households in the district. The study was guided by Citizen’s theory of Involvement. A Key Informant guide was administered to 12 key informants from LG Administration and Agriculture Departments. Data were analyzed thematically.  Results showed that Ntungamo LG was using participatory planning, monitoring and evaluation as the PM&E practices to enhance climate change adaptation among coffee farming households. The study also identified several challenges facing PM&E at LG level, including: – lack of an M&E Department, lack of training in M&E, data accuracy issues, poor dissemination of findings, limited extension support, insufficient funding and low farmer participation. LG’s should therefore develop strategies to address these challenges in order to adequately enhance climate change adaptation among coffee farming households.

Marketing Challenges Faced by Agri and Allied Startups: A Study on Selective Organisations in Madhya Pradesh

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In the evolving landscape of agribusiness, understanding the marketing challenges faced by agri and allied startups is essential for fostering sustainable growth and innovation. This research delves into the complex interplay of economic, social, and technological factors that impede the marketing efforts of these nascent enterprises in Madhya Pradesh. By examining selective organizations within the region, the study aims to identify key barriers and enablers specific to the agri startup ecosystem. Initial findings indicate that inadequate access to funding and resources significantly hampers marketing initiatives, restricting startups from implementing comprehensive marketing strategies (Lawrence OU, 2025). Furthermore, the lack of market intelligence and understanding of consumer preferences obstructs these organizations from effectively positioning their products and services within a competitive marketplace (Khalisha A et al., 2025). A crucial aspect of the research involves evaluating the role of digital marketing platforms which, despite having emerged as critical tools for connecting with consumers, remain underutilized by many agricultural startups due to limited technological expertise (K Morin et al., 2024). The study highlights the need for targeted training programs that equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge required to leverage these platforms efficiently. Additionally, the uniqueness of cultural and regional contexts in Madhya Pradesh necessitates tailored marketing strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach commonly employed by larger firms (Maulana FR, 2024). Market segmentation also reveals significant insights; locally produced goods often compete with well-established brands that dominate consumer preferences, leading to a challenge in brand recognition and loyalty for these startups (K Morin et al., 2023). With consumers increasingly inclined towards sustainability, startups have an opportunity to capitalize on this trend by emphasizing organic and environmentally friendly practices in their marketing campaigns (Elragal R et al., 2024). However, the research uncovers that many startups struggle to communicate these value propositions effectively, leading to missed market opportunities (Ahmed NZA-A et al., 2024).Moreover, challenges pertaining to supply chain management and logistics further complicate marketing efforts. Inconsistent product quality and delivery issues can undermine customer trust and satisfaction, critical factors that influence long-term business viability (Kountios G et al., 2023). Understanding these logistical hurdles and developing robust supply chain strategies will be paramount for agri startups aiming to enhance their market outreach (Neves MF et al., 2020). The study employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys from selected agribusiness startups in Madhya Pradesh. This dual approach not only enriches the data but also allows for a comprehensive analysis of the marketing challenges faced (Dr.Mishra A, 2025). Field interviews revealed that many entrepreneurs express a desire for stronger networks with industry stakeholders, which could facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts in marketing (Neves MF et al., 2020). Such collaboration may prove beneficial, as it encourages joint marketing endeavors and resource sharing among startups, amplifying their competitive advantage (R Balaji et al., 2023).Finally, the research concludes by suggesting strategic pathways for these organizations to navigate their marketing challenges more effectively. It emphasizes the importance of developing a coherent marketing strategy that integrates innovative practices with a deep understanding of the local market dynamics (Weerasekera S, 2023). By fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience, agri startups can not only overcome existing hurdles but also leverage their unique positioning in the market to achieve sustainable growth (Kaur R et al., 2023). Overall, the findings of this study underscore the urgent need for more comprehensive support systems that empower agri startups, ultimately leading to a more robust agricultural sector in Madhya Pradesh (Pant M et al., 2023). In sum, this research contributes critical insights into the myriad marketing challenges faced by agri and allied startups, providing a foundation for future studies that can explore additional dimensions of this vibrant yet struggling sector. By addressing these challenges, stakeholders can better support the emergence of successful agricultural enterprises in the region, fostering overall economic development (Iliyas M, 2023)(María Ancín et al., 2022)(Alobid M et al., 2022)(Sexton A et al., 2022)(Robert M Chiles et al., 2021)(Yogesh K Dwivedi et al., 2020).

Funding Valuation to Support Disaggregation of Value Chain in HLMC Hospital Yogyakarta

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The economic cycle always goes through boom-and-bust cycles. When the economy slows down, the government will increase the money circulation; when the economy is heating up, the government will slow down the money circulation. In this regard, interest rates, credit control, currency policies, and so on play a role. The COVID-19 pandemic era accelerated the economic cycle relatively quickly. During the pandemic, the government provided massive stimuli to the economy, and during the recovery phase, the government tightened financial policies again. Such actions have made the global investment market experience tumultuous twists and turns. Corporate funding, which was relatively easier before, has become difficult. Companies once again have to adjust their business models to their original goals: value creation, generating profit and margin, and ultimately producing positive cash flow. Adapting to the changing demands of the business environment, shifting from a “growth at all costs” mindset to prioritizing “more sustainable profit,” companies must acknowledge that the essence of business activities is to generate real cash flow and tangible profits. This study compares different approaches to valuing companies: the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Revenue Multiple, and PE Multiples. DCF takes a valuation approach based on projections of the company’s future cash flows and real profits operationally, whereas revenue and PE multiples offer simpler valuation methods by emphasizing relative comparisons within similar industries. This simplification aids investors in evaluating potential profits when executing exit strategies. Therefore, the valuation method using DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) is not as aggressive as the valuation method using exit multiples, such as P/E (Price/Earnings) Multiple, let alone Revenue Multiple.  This research serves as a benchmark for the funding valuation method to support the disaggregation outlined by HLMC Hospital Yogyakarta in the field of skin, aesthetic, and wellness centers.