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Guidelines for rapid appraisals of agrifood chain performance in developing countries

Value chain analysis: a standard guideline?

Authors: C. da Silva; H. de Souza Filho
Publisher: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations , 2007

Full text of document

This paper gives guidelines and presents a methodological strategy for the analysis of agrifood value chains. The guideline aims to provide information on the conceptual fundamentals of chain analyses.

The guideline provides a few steps to chain analysis:

  • the components of the agrifood chain, the geographical coverage and the time frame are considered
  • research planning: this is related to collecting and analysing information, as well on the utilisation of the results to propose strategies, policies and measures to improve chain performance
  • stakeholder validation: a workshop is organised for participants to evaluate and make additions to the report.
  • the final report: it should include an executive summary which can be easily consulted by stakeholders and other interested readers.
The report concludes by giving advantages and challenges to the guideline. The advantages given are:
  • has a solid foundation in systems thinking; the principles of interdependence, propagation, feedback and synergy are considered at all phases of the analysis, from research planning to the design of performance improvement policies and strategies
  • draws from an extensively proven framework for the conduct of sector studies in the agrifood domain
  • does not require the application of time consuming, costly data collection and analysis methodologies. Rapid Appraisal methods are adopted instead
  • is conducive to the development of a sense of ownership by chain stakeholders, who become proactive participants in the entire effort.
The challenges are:
  • the definition of a multidisciplinary team with appropriate set of skills to perform the required duties within a short time frame is an issue because the required expertise might not be readily available
  • the need to elect partner stakeholders with a truly representative status within the focused chain is a problem since everyone would claim to be a legitimate stakeholder.