African smallholder farmers and participation in higher-value supply chains

In the face of emerging opportunities and challenges imposed by evolving quality, safety and other market and regulatory requirements; many donors, NGOs, government agencies, and private companies have designed and implemented projects and programs specifically aimed at assisting smallholder farmers to participate and compete in supply chains and markets for higher value foods and differentiated commodities. Such investments and technical assistance have expanded considerably over the past decade. For some organizations, the efforts to facilitate small farmer standards compliance are a core line of activity; for others, these efforts form part of a broader range of activity pertaining to value chain or rural economic development. However, to date there have been limited attempts to draw lessons about operational effectiveness, define and document ‘good’ or ‘best’ practices in this field; and develop guiding principles for improving the effectiveness and poverty reduction impacts of future interventions. The African Smallholder Farmers and Participation in Higher-Value Supply Chains: Lessons Learned and the Efficacy of Interventions to Achieve ‘Assured Compliance’ program of research and consultation is a step forward in that direction.

The program involves a partnership among the World Bank, the University of Guelph, and a network of African researchers. Other individuals and agencies will be brought into the partnership, especially in the conduct of case studies. This will include members of the Trade and Standards Practitioners Network as well as other organizations. Research funding has been provided by the Dutch and Canadian Governments.

• African Smallholder Farmers and Participation in Higher-Value Supply Chains | Fact Sheet World Bank & University of Guelph 01 Jan 2007 [pdf, 91 KB]