Successful Practices in Value Chain Development: Lessons Emerging from J.E. Austin Associates' Experience

This paper articulates successful practices for the implementation of value chain development projects based on JE Austin Associates' practical field experience. JE Austin Associates examined its recent experience in light of the key elements of the value chain approach articulated by the USAID Microenterprise Development Office through the Accelerated Microenterprise Advancement Project (AMAP). From this review, six key principles emerged for successful value chain development project implementation:

 

1. Base project designs on good market analysis and direct them toward market opportunity.

2. Conduct direct industry benchmarking to identify, design and generate stakeholder buy-in.

3. Leverage value chain analysis to empower stakeholders to participate in improving their sector competitiveness through sustainable interventions.

4. Maximize impact and outreach through the identification and promotion of replicable business models.

5. Enlist the financial system as a partner in implementing proposed solutions.

6. Ensure that institutions delivering the proposed solutions appear credible to stakeholders.