Agro-food chains and networks for development: issues, approaches and strategies

Agro-food chains and networks play an increasingly important role in providing access to markets for producers in developing countries. Globalization of trade and integration of supply chains lead to new demands regarding food quality and safety. Analytical approaches for addressing the role of trade for development involve a mixture of disciplines that focus on issues of efficiency, organization and innovation as key dimensions of competitiveness. Smallholder participation in global supply chains is critically determined by three processes: market access, network governance and chain upgrading. Public and voluntary agencies may provide important contributions for reinforcing the supply-chain environment