In Pakistan’s rural economy, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are often called engines of income generation and community development. Yet their growth is held back not only by lack of finance but more critically by a shortage of business skills, planning tools, and market understanding.
Among the many initiatives aimed at strengthening rural enterprises, the Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) project stands out. Funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), FAO, and SMEDA, GRASP tackles the root causes of rural business struggles. It has trained over 8,000 MSMEs in skills such as planning, financial management, and market exploration—helping build more resilient, growth-oriented rural economies.
Most rural MSMEs operate informally, lacking capacity for record-keeping, business planning, and understanding market trends. GRASP’s Knowledge and Skills Enhancement component addresses this gap through hands-on training tailored to realities in Sindh and Balochistan.
On-farm support covers efficient crop calendars, modern agricultural practices, irrigation techniques, and livestock care. These measures have boosted productivity, cut losses, and improved resilience to climate risks through innovations like tunnel farming, drip irrigation, and solar-powered systems.
Off-farm training equips entrepreneurs with business planning, financial literacy, marketing, branding, packaging, and pitching skills. Many participants now prepare formal business plans, maintain financial records, and make informed budgeting decisions. Improved communication and pitching skills have enabled them to attract funding and opportunities at trade expos and business forums. Such capabilities have enhanced business viability, built trust with financial institutions, and expanded market competitiveness.
These interventions are opening doors beyond local markets, enabling entrepreneurs to tap into regional, national, and even international buyers. Many now use social media to sell products, diversify income, and raise visibility.
A key success factor has been building linkages with business development service providers. These partnerships offer ongoing guidance in sourcing raw materials, logistics, compliance, and market entry strategies—helping rural enterprises scale up and professionalise.
Sustainability is central to the model. Beyond eco-friendly practices, the project promotes long-term business continuity by strengthening skills and confidence, ensuring ventures can adapt, grow, and withstand market and climate changes.
The impact is visible. In Balochistan, Hawa Sakhi expanded her poultry business with a climate-resilient shed and water conservation methods. Muhammad Jan reduced post-harvest losses in date farming by setting up cold storage and diversifying into date syrup and chocolates. In Sanghar, Nasreen markets her pickle brand, Lateefi Achar, online, while Naseema expanded her cattle fodder business through technical knowledge and market linkages. Others have used budgeting, registration, and financial planning skills to formalise operations and secure financing.
Such examples show that targeted interventions, combined with sustained support, can unlock rural enterprise potential. Finance alone cannot build resilient businesses—knowledge, planning, and strategic growth are equally critical.
As Pakistan tackles rural poverty and unemployment, GRASP offers a roadmap for inclusive development. By blending training, support, and market linkages, it proves that empowered entrepreneurs can transform not just their own livelihoods but their entire communities—a model worth recognising, replicating, and sustaining.
Haseeb ur Rehman
The writer is a columnist based in Quetta.
