Integrating Value Chain for Development Approaches into Agricultural Higher Education in Africa
Agriculture must invariably remain at the core of development discussions given its high potency in fighting poverty and inequality. Science, Technology and Innovations are a must for Africa. Indeed, the poorest members of society benefit most from agriculture's effects on alleviating poverty, and the benefit eventually vanishes as nations get wealthier. African University and development partners must inform policy and investments through research and policy engagements. The RUFORUM AGM and other convenings provide the opportunity for academia and development practitioners to deliberate on their research findings and the policy implications among others. Policy implications informed by evidence improve prospects for faster and justifiable growth and poverty reduction and at the same time have the broad public support to ensure sustainability. This scientific session is focusing on
experiences for Value Chain Agriculture 4 Development (VCA4D)- Enhancing value chain functionality; methods, approaches and inclusive policy design
Agriculture, driven by science and innovations should reshape the functioning of the agricultural value chains by unlocking productivity and substantially improve food, fiber and energy production for food, nutrition security, employment and wealth creation. There is need to broaden value chains activities scope beyond agricultural production, processing or marketing.The Value Chain Analysis for Development (VCA4D) approach was designed to support decision-making processes for agricultural investments. This is an integrated approach developed to address the weaknesses in development programming and entails a comprehensive methodology that combines economic, social, and environmental indicators to assess a value chain's economic performance, inclusiveness, and sustainability.