Wiki
Value Chain Development Wiki
Welcome to the Value Chain Development Wiki
These wiki pages codify good practice in value chain development and emerging learning in inclusive market systems development, drawing from research conducted under the leadership of the USAID/E3 team, by ACDI/VOCA’s AMAP BDS and LEO consortia and many other contributing organizations, academics and institutions.
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A man analyzes wheat crops using his smartphone. Photo Credit: Daljit Singh
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Key Information for Those New to the Value Chain Approach
Key Information
1.2. Features of the Value Chain Approach
Distinguishing factors
1.3. The Framework
Details about the value chain framework
1.4. The Project Cycle
Effective value chain development programs are designed and carried out in a dynamic process referred to as the project cycle.
2. In-depth Concepts for VC Project Managers and Technical Staff
In-Depth Information
2.1. End Markets
End markets are the starting point of value chain analysis.
2.2. Business Enabling Environment
Value chains operate in a business enabling environment.
2.3. Vertical Linkages
Vertical linkages between firms at different levels of the value chain are critical.
2.4. Horizontal Linkages
Horizontal linkages—both formal and informal—between firms
2.5. Supporting Markets
Supporting markets play an important role in firm upgrading.
2.6. Value Chain Governance
Value chain governance refers to the relationships among the buyers, sellers, service providers and regulatory institutions.
2.7. Inter-firm Relationships
Inter-firm relationships refer to the nature and quality of the interactions between stakeholders in a value chain.
2.8. Upgrading
Firms need to innovate to add value to products or services and to make production and marketing processes more efficient.
3. How-to Information for Those Designing or Implementing a VC Project
How-To Information
3.1. Value Chain Selection
Value chain selection is the process of prioritizing industries or value chains based on criteria including their potential for growth and competitiveness, impact, and contribution to other development objectives such as conflict mitigation, women’s empowerment, food security or natural resource management.
3.2. Value Chain Analysis
Value chain analysis is a process that requires four interconnected steps: data collection and research, value chain mapping, analysis of opportunities and constraints, and vetting of findings with stakeholders and recommendations for future actions.
3.3. Competitiveness Strategy
A competitiveness strategy is a plan for moving the industry toward sustained growth.
3.4. Design and Implementation
The competitiveness strategy informs project design and implementation.
3.5. Monitoring and Evaluation
A well-designed monitoring and evaluation process provides information to program managers and implementers that is critical to judging the effectiveness of particular interventions.
4. Application-specific Information on the Value Chain Approach
Application Specific Info
4.1. The Value Chain Approach in Conflict-Affected Contexts
This section presents learning from practitioners and academics about how to apply the value chain approach in crises.
4.2. Vulnerable Populations and the Value Chain Approach
This section of the wiki focuses on three groups commonly targeted by development programs: very poor populations, disadvantaged women, and at-risk youth.
4.3. Integrating Food Security and the Value Chain Approach
Value chain projects aiming to reduce poverty cannot ignore food security.
5. Specific Tools and Resources
Tools & Resources
5.1. Overview of Value Chain Resources
A compendium of tools on the value chain approach.
5.2. Selection Resources
Approaches by other groups to value chain selection.
5.4. Design and Implementation Resources
Resource for design and implementation of value chain programs
5.5. Monitoring and Evaluation Resources
General resources on monitoring and evaluation are provided below:
5.6. Application-specific Resources
General resources for vulnerable populations