Market opportunities to improve vegetable value chains and rural livelihoods in southern Philippines

Issue Date

2016

Abstract

Two thirds of the population in the southern Philippines are dependent on agriculture yet the country has one of the world’s lowest per capita consumption of fresh produce. Smallholders are poor and incomes are limited by poor integration with markets. In line with the Philippines Development Plan 2011-2016, there is a major opportunity to enhance the performance of vegetable value chains (VC) and to improve the livelihood of small farmers. A study was undertaken to assess how vegetable VC performance could be improved. The study was conducted at five sites in the southern Philippines. It focused on five vegetables – eggplant, tomatoes, sweet pepper, ampalaya and leafy vegetables. Rapid appraisals of vegetable VCs were conducted using observations and interviews with key chain members and associated stakeholders. Existing vegetable VCs were examined to highlight material flow, information flow and relationship along the chains. Key issues along the chain were explored. Three potential chain development models were proposed based on who in a chain takes the position of captain for leading development interventions – smallholders, wholesalers or retailers.

Source or Periodical Title

Acta Horticulturae

ISSN

0567-7572

Volume

1128

Issue

53

Page

347-352

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Subject

Chain captain, Clusters, Philippines, Vegetable value chain

Identifier

doi:10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1128.53

Digital Copy

yes

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS