Value chain development for better access to local, regional and global markets

80% of the current global trade in goods takes place along value chains in which each link represents a different task, covering the entire path of a product from the raw materials to the consumer. The SDC helps producers in developing and transition countries position themselves in these value chains so that they can participate more in markets and increase their value added.

The SDC’s focus

The SDC applies the theoretical value chain development approach in order to analyse the market access options available to producers in its partner countries and identify entry barriers and potential.  Examining a value chain as a whole enables a better understanding of the competitive conditions and structural integration of economic activities.  The objective is to identify promising market potentials and promote them through development measures.

Here, SDC activities focus on the development of local and regional value chains in which poor farmers as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can participate.  The SDC supports its partners in the following ways:

  • Improving the transparency of markets, in particular by analysing value chains and facilitating access to market information
  • Encouraging the creation of manufacturer associations and initiating business contacts
  • Supporting the development of networks of micro, small and medium enterprises and their participation in local, regional and global markets
  • Establishing and expanding competitive services for investment projects, technical improvements, quality management and qualification
  • Providing advice to governments and the private business sector on issues related to market development and regulation as well as to the introduction of quality standards

Background

Rising global GDP mainly benefits countries and regions whose businesses are integrated in local, regional and global value chains. These companies leverage markets as well as cost and specialisation advantages and learn from technological innovation processes. At present, many producers in developing countries are either completely excluded from value chains or manufacture products that offer only few opportunities for local value added – typically agricultural products.

Current challenges

It is often difficult for poor farmers and SMEs to benefit from local, regional and international value chains. They lack information on pricing or contacts to domestic and international buyers, for example. Often there are trade barriers, which disadvantage the poorer participants in the value chain in particular. That is why in addition to supporting producers, other activities are usually needed – at other points in the value chain and in the promotion of better services and legal parameters.

Current projects

Object 1 – 3 of 3

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Decentralized Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Project (DRILP) – Phase III

01.01.2016 - 31.07.2024

DRILP Phase 3 will support the Government of Nepal to accelerate recovery and reconstruction following the devastating earthquake of 25 April 2015 and the major aftershock of 12 May 2015. The project will provide the Technical Assistance (TA) to implement the Asian Development Bank (ADB) financed Earthquake Emergency Assistance Project in rebuilding 450 kms of damaged roads in 12 districts[1] of Nepal and rehabilitate 200 kms of trails in two[2] districts.

[1] The 12 earthquake affected project districts are Solukhumbu, Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap, Dolakha, Kavre, Sindhuli, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Lamjung, Gorkha and Chitwan

[2] Dolakha and Gorkha


Cocoa Value Chain

01.05.2013 - 30.06.2024

Cocoa produced in agroforestry systems, mostly by smallholders in Nicaragua and Honduras, substantially increases employment and income generation as well as food security. This project links and capacitates key actors of the cocoa value chain in both countries and at the regional level. It promotes public-private partnerships to benefit 3’000 small cocoa producers and their families.


Object 1 – 3 of 3

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