LOJK10292U Agricultural Value Chains in Developing Countries

Sustainable development of the agricultural sector is recognized as an important factor in the economic growth of most countries, especially in low- and middle-income countries and countries in the Global South. Furthermore, agriculture plays a key role in many Sustainable Development Goals. This recognition has led to a growing interest among governments, development agencies and large privat firms to support business development and integration of farmers in markets and value chains. As a consequence of the globalization and internationalization of markets, agricultural value chains are becoming ever more global and complex. Local farmers and agribusinesses are offered new opportunities by this globalization, increased urbanization and the sharp increase in responsible sourcing programs of private firms. However, participating in local, national and global markets is not without challenges, as farmers are often faced with many institutional and economic barriers and lack access to inputs, information and capacity building.

Professionals working in the agricultural sector need to understand the inherent complexity of agriculture-based value chains and the dynamic interactions among different types of actors. In this course we aim to provide the participants with knowledge, skills and competences to analyse local and global agricultural value chains originating in the Global South. The course will address the following main topics:

• The role of the agricultural sector in developing economies
• Different value chain analysis approaches for value chain development and research
• Value chain trade-related issues such as value addition, value distribution, transaction cost, and innovation and upgrading
• Value chain management-related issues such as chain governance, institutional setting and enabling environment, and the roles of civil society, the private sector and the State
• Value chain interventions from different actors including NGOs, businesses, international traders, wholesalers and retailers 
• Poverty aspects and smallholders’ access to markets, including farmer cooperatives, partnerships, and outgrower schemes
• Sustainability in agricultural value chains: standards and certification
• Gender equality and equity and environmental issues in agriculture and agribusiness development
• Value-chain research methodology

By focusing on agricultural value chain analysis, the course will target students that want to obtain an understanding of the mechanisms that govern farmers and agribusinesses in the Global South. The analytical steps include mapping and characterizing agricultural-based value chains, and addressing barriers to entry, value added and distribution, upgrading opportunities, chain governance, critical factors in the enabling environment, and environmental and poverty aspects. The course will be useful for professionals working in international agricultural development organizations, agribusiness research, donor organizations, public agencies, national extension services, agribusiness development services, and private agribusiness enterprises.