Pro-Poor Value Chain Development - Capacity.org

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Table 3.1: Overview of BOAM’s knowledge development and learning agenda
Description of types of knowledge needs Source
1 A characteristic feature of value chain development is the
shift from transaction-based to contract-based business
relations. A contract, whether formal or informal, contains
basic information such as the agreed price per unit and
specifications of the particular product(s) or service(s) to be
supplied. However, a contract can also spell out a number
of related or embedded services to be provided as part of
the business arrangement including, inter alia: logistical
arrangements such as delivery schedules and collection
points; required technical support and training and who
should provide it; financial services provisions for investments
in input material and production material; quality control and
measurement; how market information will be generated and
disseminated; and the institutional arrangements needed to
deliver critical financial and technical services to producers.
Knowledge need: BOAM and the value chain actors wanted
to know what impact contracts had on the development of
business relationships.
2 One of the activities undertaken as part of value chain
upgrading is exploring ways to access new or existing
markets. In addition, new products and/or product upgrading
occurs. An example is the introduction of improved processing
techniques to enhance the quality and durability of food
products and appeal to a larger market segment.
Knowledge need: BOAM and the value chain actors wanted
to know what types of business arrangements could facilitate
access to new markets (such as the use of joint ventures
between processors and producers, setting up new trade
relations or the development of a specific brand or label).
3 Upgrading existing products or introducing new ones often
requires access to new types of inputs, such as improved
seedlings or even new crop or animal varieties. Commercial
availability at the right moment of better planting materials,
seed(ling) supply systems and animal feeds is crucial in
keeping up with increasing demand. As development of new
input material can take years, it is essential to ensure that
strategies are in place to match demand and supply within the
value chain.
Knowledge need: BOAM and the value chain actors
needed to develop knowledge on how to design input supply
strategies to meet increasing demand in the upgraded value
chains.
Business
issue in the
honey, dairy,
fruits value
chains
Business
issue in the
honey, fruits
and dairy
value chains
Business
issue in
oilseeds,
fruits, dairy
and honey
value chains