LOJK10292U Agricultural Value Chains in Developing Countries

Development of the agricultural sector is recognized as an important factor in the economic growth of most developing countries. As a consequence of the increasing globalization and internationalization of markets, farmers and agribusiness enterprises in developing countries are becoming increasingly integrated in global value chains. The recognition of the importance of the agricultural sector, including agribusinesses, has led to a growing interest among governments and development agencies in supporting business development and integration of farmers in markets. Local farmers and agribusinesses are offered new opportunities by increasing urbanization and globalization; however, participating in local as well as global markets is not without challenges as farmers are often faced with many institutional and economic barriers.

Professionals working in the agricultural sector need to understand the inherent complexity of agriculture-based value chains and the dynamic interaction among different types of actors. In this course we aim to provide the participants with knowledge and skills to analyze agricultural value chain development in developing countries. The course will address the following main topics:
• The nature and role of the agricultural sector in developing economies, as well as the nature of its markets including consumer behavior and retail structures
• Financial instruments and investment mechanisms used in agribusiness
• Different concepts of agricultural value chains
• Different value chain analysis approaches for value chain development and research
• Value chain trade-related issues such as value addition, value distribution, and innovation and upgrading
• Value chain management-related issues such as chain governance, the institutional setting, and the enabling environment
• Value chain interventions from different actors including NGOs, and businesses, e.g. international traders, wholesalers, and retailers
• Strategies for enhancing smallholders’ access to markets including different types of social and commercial organization, such as associations, partnerships and outgrowing schemes
• Gender, environment and poverty in the agriculture and agribusiness development

By focusing on agricultural value chains analysis, the course will target students that want to obtain an understanding of the mechanisms regulating agribusiness in developing countries. The students will perform mapping and characterization of agricultural-based value chains. The course will be useful for professionals working in international agricultural development organizations, donor organizations, public agencies, national extension services, agribusiness development services, and private agribusiness enterprises.