La innovación inclusiva para desarrollar ventajas competitivas en cadenas de valor de la papa en la zona andina

Abstract

Despite the increasing use of innovation systems and development approaches based on value chains to stimulate the growth of rural incomes, poverty reduction and greater gender equality there is little systematic knowledge about how to operationalize the value chain approaches in different contexts, and how to extend their benefits. This article considers the development of the value chain in competitive terms, as a type of intervention that promotes the development of competitive advantages and contributes to the reduction of poverty, by improving the links between small farmers, merchants, processors and consumers within of a value chain. Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA) is described as a flexible approach involving value chain actors researchers and other service providers in a collective process that explores the potential business opportunities for the benefit of small farmers and other actors in the chain. This approach was developed and applied first in Peru, and then, through knowledge exchange, it has been validated by CIP and local organizations in Bolivia and Ecuador in the Andean region. Experiences about its implementation and adjustment of the approach in these contexts are described as well as the conditions that have allowed the promotion of innovations as a basis to develop competitive advantages. The document concludes with lessons on implementation that contribute to improving the design of interventions and the promotion of value chain approaches in different contexts.