Article_Agricultural innovation and inclusive value chain

DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to take stock of the current state of knowledge about
inclusive value-chain development (VCD) in the context of international agricultural research; and second, to
draw out the implications for future research and action.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a review of recent research papers authored by
professionals affiliated with international agricultural research centers and their partners in Africa, Asia, and
Latin America.
Findings – The studies reviewed in the paper identify the opportunities emerging from new and expanding
markets for agricultural products and challenges to smallholder participation in these markets. It identifies
key attributes of successful value-chain interventions, emphasizing the importance of combining value-chain
approaches with other approaches, including those emerging from innovation systems and rural livelihoods
frameworks. Methods are offered for evaluating complex value-chain interventions.