Work

Smallholder Challenges of Social and Economic Upgrading in Agricultural Value Chains: A Cross-country, Cross-crop Comparison

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study is based on field research conducted by an international team of researchers investigating the opportunities for social upgrading of smallholder farm owners and tenants and their workers in the Global South. The main objective has been to assess the influence of crop characteristics, end markets, and value chain governance (including product and process standards), as well as national political, economic, and cultural contexts, on the conditions of farmers and farmworkers. Accordingly, the selected crops differ along the axes of domestic versus international end markets and short versus long shelf-life: coffee (cash crop), rice (staple crop), and mangoes (perishable crop). The selected countries are Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, India, Pakistan, and Vietnam. Our main findings relate to the importance of collective action by key stakeholders, including smallholders and a supportive state, for economic and social upgrading.

Source: Agrarian South Journal of Political Economy A triannual Journal of Agrarian South Network and CARES

DOI: 10.1177/22779760241261445

Authors: Ismail Doga Karatepe, Christoph Scherrer

Institutions: Muğla University, University of Kassel

Language: English

Topic: Global trade, sustainability, and social impact

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Zero hunger, No poverty, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,200