June 26, 2008

Dr. Parker Presents "Maximizing the 'Value' of Value Chain Programs in Conflict-Affected Environments"

Dr. Joan Parker presented ACDI/VOCA’s research on value chain programs in conflict-affected areas at the USAID Microenterprise Development Breakfast Series on June 26. Drawing on evidence from 14 case studies, she discussed key components to building successful value chains in conflict-affected areas. The research is part of the Value Chains in Conflict-Affected Environments grant awarded to ACDI/VOCA in February 2007.

ACDI/VOCA worked with USAID to assess the relevance of the value chain approach to conflict-affected environments and to adapt the approach to increase its relevance. ACDI/VOCA conducted an extensive literature review of the relationship between value chain development and economic recovery in conflict-affected environments and used this to develop a set of hypotheses to be tested through 12 specially commissioned case studies. ACDI/VOCA then assisted the small-grant awardees to document their cases to address the hypotheses, and wrote a synthesis paper which drew from these cases (in addition to 2 pre-existing case studies) to answer key analytical and programmatic questions concerning use of the value chain approach in areas affected by conflict.

The research was funded by Pact through a grant issued under the USAID-funded Accelerated Microenterprise Advancement Project (AMAP) contract, a $180 million project designed to provide USAID/Washington and missions with services required to establish, deepen and/or expand their activities in microenterprise development.

Dr. Parker has over 15 years of experience as an international development economist and has been consulting with ACDI/VOCA on this grant. The synthesis report authored by Dr. Parker, outlining practical lessons from value chain projects in conflict-affected areas, will be posted later this month on the conflict pages of USAID’s microLINKS website.