Does the value chain approach help the most vulnerable?

Session Outline 11:00-12:30pm 1)Introduction to VC Approach and the Most Vulnerable, 10 min. 2)Panel discussion 30 min. 3)Group table discussion 15 min. 4)Question and answer 25 min. 5)The way forward 10 min.

Presenters Save the Children-Mozambique Wales Mgumbi ACDI/VOCA- Zimbabwe Charles Chikwiramadara Save the Children- Malawi James Luanda

Group Table Work Step #1- Discuss the key issues from each presentation that were viewed as critical for successfully engaging the vulnerable in VC activities. Step #2- Discuss those observations of the presenters. Do you agree? Have you had a different experience? Share you own experiences with your group. Select two questions to ask the panelists.

The Way Forward How will you use information from this meeting to engage vulnerable household’s into value chain activities in your 2012 workplan? How can TOPS support you with your efforts?

This presentation was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of Save the Children and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

Background Our collective task today is to indentify options for engaging target MYAP HH’s into the value chain process. First a VC is a series of transactions done by key actors and support actors with the aim of adding value to their part of the supply chain. In this way the entire chain grows in value. So first, let’s look at a typical agriculture supply chain structure. Our case study is Pigeon Pea which we worked with during the 2 day CB workshop For HH’s that produce a very small amount of Pigeon Pea their opportunity to participate might be through a VSL member who takes a loan and buys up the small quantities from HH’s so that the quantity becomes marketable. Vulnerable HH’s might also participate in VC upgrading by providing strategic services. VSL loan options for each activity might include small trade in ag. inputs, labor at harvest, post harvest, processing, preparation, storage. Here to discuss these ideas are 3 of your FSN colleagues.