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Value chain programmes to integrate competitiveness, economic growth and poverty reduction
01.06.2006
Identifying particular value chains that have the potential to compete globally should boost output and incomes. The challenge is to achieve this in value chains incorporating large numbers of small firms and microenterprises, and who are also in a position to benefit. This paper offers a step-by-step practical guide to intervention design for achieving competitiveness that benefits the poor. First industries are selected with potential for competitiveness, then a value chain analysis is carried out. A strategy is developed to improve competitiveness and achieve an equitable distribution of benefits, and an action plan is devised to achieve this strategy. Finally a system of performance monitoring and impact assessment is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. -
Managing the process of change: Useful frameworks for implementers of making markets work for the poor programmes
01.06.2008
This article presents project management frameworks developed and used by PROFIT Zambia - a five-year USAID-funded programme supporting agriculture/natural resources development - to guide its interventions in facilitating inclusive and sustained industry competitiveness. The frameworks showcased in the article are two: an industry pathway and related knowledge management process. The article describes the frameworks and illustrates their use as tools by PROFIT in guiding its interventions in Zambia's domestic beef industry and supportive veterinarian services market. The article concludes by drawing lessons on the use of these frameworks for agencies taking or planning to take a facilitation approach to implementing pro-poor agriculture development projects.