Tools

• IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability
• IFC Crop Supply Chain Productivity Diagnostic
• IFC Livestock Supply Chain Diagnostic
• University of Wolverhampton Guide for Developing a Logical Framework

Additional Reading

• The Top 100 Questions of Importance to the Future of Global Agriculture
• Smallholders in a Rapidly Changing World?

Organizations with Expertise

• The World Bank has easily accessible data covering more than 8,000 indicators
• Food and Agriculture Organization provides regional and national data on crop production, input use, and many other topics
• The Collaborative Research Support Programs are based in universities and conduct research on international agricultural development topics such as:
  • Iowa State University: farmer training and extension
  • Michigan State University: legumes and pulses
  • University of Nebraska: sorghum and millet
  • Oregon State: aquaculture and water use
  • University of California at Davis: horticulture and livestock
  • University of Georgia: peanuts
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute: integrated pest management
• Famine Early Warning System Network provides early warning and analysis on acute food insecurity
• CGIAR unites organizations engaged in research for a food secure future. CGIAR centers include:
  • International Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
  • International Food Policy Research Institute
  • International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
  • International Rice Research Institute
• CIRAD offers information about smallholder production and most crops

Firms that carefully plan their engagement with local supply chains are more likely to succeed. Evaluate smallholders’ needs and the dynamics of the market, and set goals based on performance metrics.