Incentives and disincentives to investment in orange-fleshed sweetpotato - The case of a pro-poor public-private partnership in Rwanda. Technical assessment of orange-fleshed sweetpotato value chain in Rwanda.

Abstract

Value chain development that involves smallholder farmers has become a key focus for donors, government and development agencies to reduce poverty. However, these value chains face various challenges, in part due to smallholders’ inability to take risks required to invest. This calls for creation of incentives to propel the development of such value chains and attract private investors. The aim of this study was to document the incentives created along the implementation pathway of orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) value chain development in Rwanda. The study used qualitative data collected through key informant interviews (KIIs) among purposely selected value chain actors and gender segregated focus group discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data collected as part of routine project monitoring has been used to corroborate and further explain trends reported in the qualitative data. The results show that, through pro-poor public-private partnerships in rural Rwanda, an OFSP value chain that links smallholder farmers to formal markets has been established. Various incentives that were created during development of the chain are highlighted. Challenges and possible uncertainties as value chain actors expand their operations have been identified.