Introduction to Disability Inclusive Value Chains
In recent decades, value chain development has emerged as a key approach in building sustainable food systems and rural economies. A number of tools, resources and research studies have been produced by a range of value chain actors covering concepts around value chain development.
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Guiding Framework on Disability Inclusive Value Chain Development
Under the SPARK program, we are in the process of developing Guidelines on Disability Inclusive Value Chain Development, that respond to the need for systematic integration of disability inclusion in value chain development, building on the principles of Disability Inclusive Programming – and following the approach of Gender Sensitive Value Chain Development as described by FAO. These guidelines will offer practical tips on how to ensure that persons with disabilities are effectively participating in value chain development programs, and programs that work on creating employment in agricultural value chains as part of their intervention strategies – also triggering action and system change.
The drafted process and guidelines are currently being tested in selected IFAD programs in the four SPARK countries. Watch this page to keep up to date with the developments, including lessons learned and good practices that will be documented on disability inclusion in a range of value chains.
Persons with disabilities are at the center of the approach. How they relate to the different nodes of the core value chain as well as the various support services that constitute the extended value chain, highly depends on their individual self-confidence, knowledge, skillsets, and ambitions, as well as their families and communities. Beliefs and practices of families and communities can enable or inhibit the participation of persons with disabilities in value chains.
Alongside these direct linkages are national and local policies on disability, agriculture and rural development, as well as International Policy Frameworks such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCPRD) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that frame programs and activities in value chain and livelihoods development.
A range of opportunities exist in the core and extended value chain for inclusion of people with disabilities. Several avenues could be explored to drive access to various support services. Attitudinal, Communication, Accessibility and Policy-related barriers also exist at all levels, limiting the participation of persons with disabilities in different value chains as well as their ability to access decent work in the sector.
Overall, this framework unlocks different opportunities and services that exist and could be leveraged to support the inclusion of persons with disabilities in value chains from the perspective of persons with disabilities themselves and a range of stakeholders including government representatives, value chain actors and disability inclusion experts. It also supports dialogue to remove barriers and action planning at the different levels to ensure systemic integration of disability inclusion in value chain, agricultural and rural development programming.
Steps in Disability Inclusive Value Chain Development
Following a multi-step approach to disability inclusive value chain development ensures the engagement and ownership of different value chain actors and programme staff, as well as persons with disabilities. More information on each step in the process will soon be availible by clicking on the icons below.
01 Value Chain Mapping
For each value chain selected, identify functions under the different value chain nodes as well as support services.
06 Learn and Adapt
Plan for regular learning and reflection meetings. Use lessons learned from practice and program implementation to adapt accordingly for better effectiveness and impact.
02 Engage Actors
Consult a range of stakeholders including persons with disabilities active in the selected value chains, their representative organisations, value chain actors and key government representatives.
Steps to Disability Inclusive Value Chain Development
05 Document Stories
Document stories of change, case studies and learning briefs to enhance learning and sharing about disability inclusive value chain development.
03 Consolidate Findings
Consolidate and deepen the findings with stakeholders including representation of different value chain actors and organisations of persons with disabilities.
04 Plan for Action
Come up with an action plan and determine timelines for the actions set, budget implications and persons responsible.
