Publication

This report examines how value chain analysis can help the rural poor to participate gainfully in local, regional and global trade. Firstly, the link between trade and poverty as conceptualized in orthodox trade theory is examined. Secondly, the reasons why value chains have emerged as a helpful entry point for discussions on rural poverty are explored. Thirdly, the constraints faced by low-income participants in agriculture in Latin America are summarized and a framework which outlines how the rural poor can upgrade their position within viable value chains is developed. Finally, the ways in which value chain analysis could be employed to augment the incomes of poor people in rural areas are discussed.