Support for Agricultural Value Chain Development (Full Report)

Abstract

This evaluation knowledge study (EKS) was included in the 2011 work plan of the Independent Evaluation Department (IED) to address specific interests of the regional departments and the Regional and Sustainable Development Department of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The purpose of the EKS is to review the contribution of ADB support to agricultural value chains (AVCs) through its promotion of commercial agriculture in its developing member countries (DMCs). This review takes place in light of the recognition, recently expressed in the 2009 Operational Plan for Sustainable Food Security in Asia and the Pacific, 1 for the need to add value to the food and agriculture production and postproduction systems, while paying particular attention to smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups. ADB promoted the AVC approach in the Operational Plan to improve food security in Asia after the major food price crisis in 2008. It felt that Strategy 2020, which focuses on support for agriculture through rural infrastructure provision, needed to be refined. 2 This paper explores issues surrounding the AVC approach based on evaluation findings from projects related to commercial agriculture and draws lessons for future ADB support to AVCs.