The intention
When I worked on partnerships with the business community at the development organization Plan Nederland, we wanted our collaboration with Sara Lee / DE scale up from Uganda to Nicaragua.
The approach
The idea was that Plan Nicaragua would guide farmers in crop improvement and mutual organization, so that they would eventually qualify
for certification and (So) coffee sales to Sara Lee / DE and therefore a higher and stable income. As we already did in Uganda. Brilliant plan.
The result
Only in the very last phase, just before signing by all parties, Sara Lee/DE withdrew.
The lessons
Research showed that the region where this project would take place, was actually not suitable for coffee cultivation at all. The farmers would never make it on their own feet. Not a sustainable option – and therefore a brilliant failure
OTHER BRILLIANT FAILURES
Who finances lifestyle in cardiac rehabilitation?
Beware of the chicken-egg problem. When parties are excited, but first ask for proof, check carefully whether you have the means to provide that burden of proof. And projects aimed at prevention are always difficult, [...]
A croissant… with chocolate point
The intention The Italian Ice Cream maker Spica developed the predecessor of the Cornetto in 1959. When Unilever in 1962 when they visited Spica, they were so enthusiastic that the Italian ice cream producer was immediately taken over. [...]
Brilliant Failure Award Healthcare – 20 to stop coming up with new advice 2024
Wednesday 20 In November, the Brilliant Failure Awards for Healthcare will be organized for the tenth time by the Institute for Brilliant Failures.
