April 3, 2007

New Project Won–Global: Value Chain Development for Conflict-Affected Environments

ACDI/VOCA has received a grant of $250,000 to expand our understanding of the applicability of the value chain approach in conflict-affected environments. This activity is funded through the AMAP Grants under Contract (GUC) Support Services Task Order, managed by Weidemann and Associates and its subcontractor Pact. ACDI/VOCA will develop a framework to assist in the sequencing of activities leading to minimum market distortion and quick economic recovery in post-conflict situations. This framework will be developed in collaboration with a broad group of relief and value chain specialists and tested through multiple tailored case studies of best practice in the field. These case studies will also be funded through the AMAP GUC Support Service Task Order. ACDI/VOCA will prepare a synthesis report drawing together lessons learned and identifying emerging good practice in value chain development in post-conflict environments.

ACDI/VOCA is a leader in value chain approaches to development. It implements the $10 million, USAID-funded Accelerating Microenterprise Advancement Project Business Development Services (AMAP BDS) Knowledge and Practice Task Order, which aims to increase incomes in poor communities and promote economic growth by enhancing performance and thereby the competitiveness of micro and small enterprises. AMAP BDS activities sustainably link large numbers of enterprises to productive markets and address growth constraints all along the respective value chains by covering a range of solutions and services, including market access, product development, technology support services, and interventions to strengthen the legal, regulatory and policy environment.