In this section:
The documents and tools contained in this subfolder are designed to support the assessment of value chains/ market systems (VC/MS) that are conducted in the initial stage of a VC/MS development program.
Assessments include identifying and interviewing market actors in the VC/MS who currently, or have an interest in, providing needed products, services, support or market access to the project’s target group (typically small-scale producers). It also includes interviews with relevant government offices and donorfunded programs. The goal of this assessment is to collect information relative to the following questions: a) What are the constraints that the project’s target group face? b) What are challenges that market actors (Lead Firms/LFs1) face in providing “market-based solutions” to those constraints? c) Who are the LFs in the sector with existing/potential broad outreach to the target group who have commercial interest/incentives to provide these solutions? d) What kind of initiatives are these LFs interested in undertaking (that could be supported by the project) to help them overcome challenges and improve/expand the products, services and support they provide to the project’s target group?
This subfolder includes interview guides by market actor type, sample write-ups by field staff, slides used during initial staff orientation, and an example of a comprehensive value chain/market system assessment report.
1 Small, medium, or large firms that have forward or backward commercial linkages with a significant number of MSMEs (including farmers). Also known as an “Inclusive Businesses” they include processors, exporters, traders, input companies, service providers, etc. that play a critical role in moving their industry, and other value chain participants forward.
1.1 Value Chain/Market System (VC/MS) Selection
1.1.1 Illustrative VC/MS Selection Exercise (Agriculture)
This tool supports the identification of VC/MSs that demonstrate: a) competitiveness and unmet market demand; b) potential to integrate, and be beneficial to, targeted producers. This example is based on identifying agricultural VC/MSs.
1.1.2 Illustrative VC/MS Selection Exercise (Tourism)
This tool supports the identification of VC/MSs that demonstrate: a) competitiveness and unmet market demand; b) potential to integrate, and be beneficial to, targeted producers. This example is based on identifying VC/MSs in the tourism sector.
1.2 VC/MS Assessment
1.2.1 Example AFE Value Chain/Market System Assessment Report for Agricultural Inputs
This is an example of a VC/market system assessment report. It contains detailed information about the existing market system, market actors, market-based solutions and next steps.
1.2.2 Interview Guides
This folder includes interview guides for different market actors and key informant types: private sector businesses, consumers, public sector informants, etc. Questions are formulated in such a way to identify the dynamics of the VC/market system including trends, farmer/producer constraints, challenges that firms face to improve/expand products, services and support for farmers/producers, etc. Interviewers should use these guides as references and not read questions off the sheet, in order to facilitate the flow of information and productive dialogue. The repository includes the following interview guides.
1.2.2.1 AFE Interview Guide for Farmers Purchasing Inputs
1.2.2.2 AFE Interview Guide for Farmers Selling to Buyers
1.2.2.3 AFE Interview Guide for Govt Agencies + Key Informants
1.2.2.4 AFE Interview Guide for Private Sector LF Input Suppliers
1.2.2.5 AFE Interview Guide for Private Sector LF Buyers
1.2.3 Sample Interview Schedule
This table provides an overview of the types of interviewees to target for a VC/market system assessment including a broad assortment of market actors and public sector/donor program representatives.
1.2.4 Work Plan for Design and Implementation of Market System Program
This is an extract from a VC/MS report (listed above) that provides a table with tasks and expected milestones for the design and implementation of a market system development program.
1.2.5 Illustrative Scope of Work VC/MS Assessment 2017
This is an illustrative SOW for carrying out a VC/MS assessment and includes a work plan, deliverables, and prescribed content for final report as well as a time line for all deliverables.
1.3 Miscellaneous
1.3.1 AFE Orientation PPT Handout
This is a PDF version of the PPT slides used by AFE to orient project staff and prepare them to conduct a VC/MS assessment and program design. This orientation generally takes two days and covers all theory and program planning required to conduct an assessment successfully.
1.3.2 Example Project Budget for VC MS Program
This spreadsheet provides an illustrative budget for a three-year market development program. It includes costs for staff, transportation and logistics, office rental, and equipment.