ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN VALUE CHAIN DEVELOPMENT

Eric Derks, ACDI/VOCA ederks@acdivocaghan

a.org

What is Civil Society?

Research institutes – autonomous/independent Professional organizations Faith-based organizations, mosques, churches Farmer organizations, CBOs NGOs – international and local Others

What are the Roles of Civil Society?

Research Oversight Advocacy Facilitation Implementation

AgronomicEconomicPolicyProduction standardsEnvironmental safeguardsWomen, minorities, poorBased on researchExtension to oversight function

Implementation & Facilitation

Implementation: making changes in a market system

Facilitation: stimulating others to make changes

Which civil society actors are permanent, sustainable parts of a market system?

Value Chain Approach

Sustainability is defined by a value chain’s ability to invest in ongoing improvements and expanded benefits for smallholders

Facilitation ensures local ownership of improved performance and eases project exit

Knowledge management needed to ensure that interventions are resulting in desired changes

Implementation & Facilitation

Challenges

Limited civil society participation in design and implementation of key national/government programs

Weak information base Relies on good will Thin on the ground Conflict and duplication among civil society groups