Revision and update of markets for the poor (M4) and Agribusiness Master Class (AMC)

ABSTRACT

This project set out to review and update the "Making Value Chains Work Better for the Poor" Toolbook (M4P Toolbook) and the ACIAR Agribusiness Master Class (AMC) capacity development program. These revisions had a particular focus on mainstreaming and integrating contemporary thinking and approaches about value chain research, as well as gender equity, social inclusion, and women's economic empowerment. The SRA also sought to explore more sustainable delivery models that integrate rapidly evolving remote and online learning approaches and technologies. An important rationale for this project was the need to progress capacity development programs such as the AMC, that are more cost-efficient, more flexible, and more accessible to a wider range of remotely located participants. The project aim therefore was to develop innovative agribusiness research learning resources and delivery models for the Asia Pacific that specifically mainstreams contemporary gender equity, social inclusion and women's economic empowerment principles and approaches. The project had three main objectives: 1. Review and update the M4P Value Chain Toolbook and case studies 2. Review and improve the content, format, and delivery of the Agribusiness Master Classes;and 3. Develop a community of practice and explore business models for delivery of M4P Value Chain Toolbook and Agribusiness Master Class program throughout the Asia-Pacific The project contributes towards a wider goal of building capacity in agribusiness researchfor-development methods of young researchers, development specialists and innovative agribusiness operators. A fully revised print-ready 4th edition of the "Making Value Chains Work Better for the Poor" (M4P Toolbook) has been completed. It will be published in English1 and Vietnamese2 . The Toolbook provides value chain practitioners with updated practical tools for value chain analysis, with a stronger focus on poverty, gender, and social inclusion. This updated Toolbook provides robust analytical tools to identify value chain interventions that are inclusive and beneficial to the poor, to both women and men, or to other disadvantaged groups. The Toolbook will provide a valuable reference to research and development professionals for many years and is an added resource for the AMC program. As part of this project the AMC program and materials have been revised, updated, and reformatted. Numerous case-studies and activities have been included. Delivery Notes have been provided for all presentations. These materials have been adapted and suitable for both face-to-face and online delivery. The COVID -19 pandemic has prompted a surge in improvements and adoption of video conferencing, online collaboration, and webinar software apps to support remote engagement and learning. This provides a huge opportunity for ACIAR, University partners and remote collaborators to deliver new high quality, online and blended agribusiness learning, and capability development programs for developing country participants. Platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom also provide the opportunity to efficiently engage external facilitators and mentors, as well as world class researchers and agribusiness specialists in a learning program. However, remote, and online collaboration and learning, cannot always replace the richness of face-to-face interaction and relationship building, along with the considerable benefit of peer-to-peer learning. Which is why experiential components such as the Mini-Project, agribusiness, field, and market visits, and visiting speaker contributions remain very important for adult learning.