Interactions between livelihoods and pro-poor value chains: A case study of native potatoes in the central highlands of Peru.

摘要

Pro-poor value chains seek to integrate smallholding farmers into high value markets in ways that improve income and alleviate food insecurity. As this market-oriented development approach gains prominence, research must investigate how value chains interact with local places and the livelihoods of the people who live there. Through a case study of one community in the Peruvian central highlands and the native potato value chains implemented there, this study explores the horizontal dynamics among community livelihoods and vertical dynamics among value chain actors.;Based in Actor-oriented Perspectives (AP) theory, this study posits that development is (re)constructed by the actors participating. Though a mixed methods approach, this study investigated the experiences that households have had since a national NGO implemented native potato value chains with (trans)national corporations. During five months of fieldwork, 149 of 152 households (98%) were surveyed and 36 interviews were conducted among community members, NGO coordinators, and company executives. Multivariate regression and thematic analysis explored specific livelihood components of community members: dietary quality, project participation, on-farm diversification, livelihood activity diversification, social interaction, and demographics. Analysis also considered the native potato value chains and how the livelihood decisions of community members influence their structure and function.;According to the findings, farmers recognize economic and social benefits of value chains, yet struggle to adhere to quality requirements, are frustrated by inconsistencies in demand, and lack organizational capacity. The facilitating NGO stretches its resources across civil society and commercial functions, and purchasing firms are detached from development objectives. These value chains have not negatively affected potato biodiversity, although social stratification existed according to project participation. Participating households were found to have higher dietary diversity, though this likely has less to do with any causal effects of the project than participation itself acting as a marker of social status. Significant predictors of dietary diversity also included animal ownership, social interaction, and crop diversification. Beyond dietary diversity, social/cultural acceptability and stability were identified as other relevant food security components. Findings also revealed that households are dedicating their potato production increasingly to home consumption as they pursue other livelihood activities, sometimes out of necessity and sometimes because other activities are deemed more lucrative. Decreasing commercial production limits the scalability and sustainability of native potato value chains.;Based on the findings, several recommendations emerged. To increase value chain viability, actors' roles and objectives must be mutually established, and enhancing capacity of farmer associations must constitute a primary programmatic focus. In order to mitigate social stratification, support must also be given to the commodity and informal market outlets that households typically access. Expanding economic opportunities in the region should be pursued through projects based on product transformation and high value alternative crops. Agroecological projects in particular can simultaneously address production constraints and fears that pesticide residues cause health problems. By targeting both the function of value chains and the livelihoods of local producers, pro-poor value chains can be beneficial in ways that avoid damaging social and ecological consequences.