‘Value chains need not and often do not include or benefit poor people, but there are a number of collections of case studies about those that do. This book by three acknowledged experts who have many years of field experience in appraising and developing value chains goes further. It includes some important cases, from Latin America, Africa and SE Asia, but most of the book is about what has been learned, how value chains can be developed so that they do include poor people, and do not exclude them. Let us hope that the book is read, and acted upon, not only by the 'development community' but by the management of the businesses who actually design and manage the value chains, so that they include and benefit the poor.’
Malcolm Harper, Emeritus Professor, Cranfield School of Management

‘This collection offers unique perspectives on value chain development, exploring how VCD is implemented in the field, options for innovation in design, and the potential for VCD to achieve impact at scale.’
Shaun Ferris, Technical Director Agriculture and Livelihoods, Catholic Relief Services

‘In my many years as a researcher I have learned that analysts with different backgrounds will generate unique insights into tackling common problems and it is the collection of those insights that lead to progress. The editors of this book has pulled together not only interesting case studies on agricultural value chain development, but have drawn together an impressive caliber and diversity of authors, both researchers and practitioners. The book focuses on how to make value chains work better for the poor, especially the millions of smallholder farmers in developing countries. Readers will come away with a firm understanding of the challenges, what has been achieved so far, and what still requires attention to make value chains work for the poor.’
Frank Place, Director of the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets

‘An insightful overview and analysis of the state of the Value Chain Development sector, past and present, from both the practitioner and researcher perspectives. Provides important thinking on challenges and shortcomings of our work while highlighting new thinking and ways forward.’
Dan Barthmaier, Senior Technical Advisor – Markets and Value Chains, Catholic Relief Services

Jason Donovan

Senior Economist, Research Theme Leader for Markets and Value Chains, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico

Dietmar Stoian

Lead Scientist, Value Chains, Private Sector Engagement and Investments, World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Bonn, Germany

Jon Hellin

Platform Leader, Sustainable Impact, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Baños, Philippines