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Role of Civil Society in Value Chain Development. Eric Derks, ACDI/VOCA ederks@acdivocaghana.org. What is Civil Society?. Research institutes – autonomous/independent Professional organizations Faith-based organizations, mosques, churches Farmer organizations, CBOs
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Role of Civil Society in Value Chain Development Eric Derks, ACDI/VOCA ederks@acdivocaghana.org
What is Civil Society? • Research institutes – autonomous/independent • Professional organizations • Faith-based organizations, mosques, churches • Farmer organizations, CBOs • NGOs – international and local • Others
What are the Roles of Civil Society? • Research • Oversight • Advocacy • Facilitation • Implementation Agronomic Economic Policy Production standards Environmental safeguards Women, minorities, poor Based on research Extension to oversight function
Implementation & Facilitation • Implementation: making changes in a market system • Facilitation: stimulating others to make changes • Which civil society actors are permanent, sustainable parts of a market system? Growth with Poverty Reduction Limited Growth with no Poverty Reduction
Value Chain Approach Implementation & Facilitation • Sustainabilityis defined by a value chain’s ability to invest in ongoing improvements and expanded benefits for smallholders • Facilitationensures local ownership of improved performance and eases projectexit • Knowledge management needed to ensure that interventions are resulting in desired changes
Challenges • Limited civil society participation in design and implementation of key national/government programs • Weak information base • Relies on good will • Thin on the ground • Conflict and duplication among civil society groups