Applying action research to establish functional producer groups and value-adding producer organisations in southern Myanmar. Issue 1 (2nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Esnard, Randel; Lyne, Michael; Kartikasari, Ani; Old, Kevin
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 33:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 87
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2023-01-02
• Subjects: Smallholder organisations -- governance practices -- institutional arrangements -- market access; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2022.2080807
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A project commissioned in 2017 to upgrade agribusiness value chains in southern Myanmar required functional producer groups to manage and sustain its transactional and value-adding interventions. This practical note describes the action research processes used to design, initiate, and develop these groups. It highlights key lessons and offers practitioners evidence-based guidelines to consider when collective action is required to link smallholders with preferred markets. Training and mentoring are important, but more effective if preceded by negotiation and acceptance of a constitution embedding good governance practices and investor-friendly institutional arrangements that groups can customise to support their business strategies.