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Food value chains in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are undergoing significant changes, despite a common perception that they are stagnant and undynamic. The “supermarket revolution” has radically changed food distribution systems. New crop varieties and processing technologies have changed the nature and quality of foods, and thus dietary patterns. Both on- and off-farm production and handling processes are increasingly outsourced to service providers, while digital logistics, finance, and distribution platforms are reorganizing food supply chains. Many of these innovations are increasing food system efficiency, improving livelihoods, and enhancing supply chain resilience, but not all outcomes are benign. The changes also risk concentrating more income and market power among larger food system operators, increasing the availability of unhealthy ultra-processed foods, and emitting more greenhouse gases.

Small and medium operators in the “hidden middle” of LMIC food value chains are playing a major role in this widespread transformation. Value chain innovations frequently both involve and impact these operators, often without support from governments or development agencies.

This seminar will discuss the drivers and underlying dynamics of these transformations and explore what constitutes a conducive environment for creating greater market efficiency, greater food security, better diets, less poverty, and greater climate resilience.

Co-hosted by IFPRI and the CGIAR Research Initiative on Rethinking Food Markets, the seminar convenes renowned food system researchers, private food sector operators, policymakers, and development agencies to discuss options for promoting innovations that could drive food value chains toward greater inclusiveness and sustainability.

Introductory Remarks

• Johan Swinnen, Director General, IFPRI; Managing Director, Systems Transformation, CGIAR

Conventional Wisdoms about Food Value Chain Innovations and Policies: Myths and realities

• Thomas Reardon, University Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University (MSU); Nonresident Fellow, IFPRI

Panel Discussion

Constraints to wholesale market development and implications for poverty and food security

• Bart Minten, Senior Research Fellow/ Program Leader of the Myanmar Strategy Support Program, IFPRI

Do value chain financing innovations work and what role for policies

• Saweda Liverpool-Tasie, Foundation Professor, Michigan State University (MSU)

What do I need to innovate?

• William Buyungo Luyinda, Cofounder & CEO, EzyAgric
• Samson Akankiza Mpiira, Executive Director, Dairy Development Authority (DDA), Uganda

What should governments do and not do to create inclusive and sustainable food value chains?

• Julio Berdegué, Ministry of Agriculture Rural Development (SADER), Mexico
• Deogracious Namisano Wonekha, Senior Dairy Development Officer MAIF, Dairy Development Authority (DDA), Uganda

How can donors and development agencies help?

• Rob Bertram, Chief Scientist, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

Moderator

• Charlotte Hebebrand, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, IFPRI