Characteristics of inclusivity

Agri-food markets refer to agriculture and food value chains, including food, fibre and fuel, along with all the market activities of production, processing, wholesaling, retailing, and the associated service provision. Structural inclusiveness requires collaboration between all the parties operating in and around agri-markets.

The future opportunities available to small-scale farmers play a key role in all the efforts going into achieving greater inclusiveness. Other equally important opportunities include agri-related employment, small- and medium-sized enterprise development for upstream market activities, and service provision.

Six characteristics of inclusivity:

1Create opportunities that enable small-scale farmers and their cooperatives to become economically viable business partners in supply chains.

 

2Support small- and medium-scale enterprises to flourish as processors and service providers along the supply chain.

“An inclusive business seeks to contribute towards poverty alleviation by including lower-income communities within its value chain while not losing sight of the ultimate goal of business, which is to generate profits.“ The World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

 

3Provide employment opportunities under fair labour conditions.

 

4Establish agri-clusters/centres that help to drive overall rural economic prosperity.

 

5Deliver healthy, affordable, accessible food products and services for low-income consumers in rural and urban areas.

 

6Give all stakeholders and in particular marginalised groups (small-scale farmers, women, youth, unorganised labour) a voice in governance and investment.