Agribusiness-led inclusive value chain development for smallholder farming systems in the Philippines (IVC Philippines)

(2021-2025) The project will contribute directly to the ACIAR Development Objective of Fostering more inclusive agri-food and forestry market chains, engaging the private sector where possible (40%). Direct partnerships with agribusinesses such as Nestle Philippines, Lamac MPC, Jollibee Group Foundation and Foodlink Advocacy Co-operative (Foodlink) have been established to ensure that co-development of models and strategies for inclusive value chains are not driven by research, but by business and community needs, and therefore have greater chances of success and longevity. The project initiatives are also extended to micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs), who have played a critical role in recovery from shocks from COVID-19 impacts through the creation of new businesses that connect consumers to farmers at a time when traditional channels have collapsed. The project will also contribute directly to the ACIAR Development Objective of Improving gender equity and empowerment of women and girls (20%), as a priority of the project is understanding the principles and processes by which inclusion occurs or does not occur in value chains and in what contexts. Through new forms of collaboration between public and private organisations with aligned economic and development objectives, we aim to establish new collaborative approaches to enhance the impact of investment into research for development through both business and research lenses.