African agriculture relies in large part on small-scale farmers and producers; oftentimes, however, smallholders are at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing more lucrative markets. The new Value Chains Knowledge Clearinghouse, led by the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets, provides tools and resources to impirove the functioning and inclusiveness of agricultural value chains, ensuring that smallholders have more opportunity to improve their livelihoods. The website is based on the concept of Value Chains Development (VCD), which seeks to create or strengthen commercial ties between businesses and consumers. VCD has already been adopted by several NGOs, donors, and governments as a key element of their rural poverty reduction strategies.
While the use of tools for value chain analysis has grown in recent years, there are still important gaps in the coverage of these tools, such as gender equity and impact assessment. The new Value Chains Knowledge Clearinghouse aims to close this gap by providing a comprehensive and accessible repository of research methods and best practices. The Clearinghouse will also address a wider audience, including generalists, farmers, private actors, development practitioners, and researchers. Individual stakeholders can access the tools and best practices most applicable for them, as well as instructions on application of the tools, a calendar of events, and a network for communication.
The Clearinghouse also will help practitioners and specialists:
- Identify key constraints and opportunities in value chains;
- Evaluate opportunities for upgrading value chains;
- Optimize and prioritize investment in institutional arrangements and value chain infrastructure;
- Improve equity and reduce poverty in developing countries through improved market access, technical innovation, information, and improved efficiency to reduce marketing margins and increase farm gate prices;
- Expand labor opportunities for women and the landless and boost the incomes of rural households;
- Promote risk-coping mechanisms for farmers; and
- Increase the quality of farmers’ products, thereby improving food security.