PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
Livestock value chains globally are increasingly dualistic, with integrated market-leaders co-existing with comparatively disadvantaged small producers who, nevertheless, support rural livelihoods and food access, and can also contribute to more resilient supply chains. The South African broiler value chain provides a highly illustrative case study. The purpose of this study is to identify potential leverage points for policy intervention to support small and emerging producers in the South African broiler value chain, and to discuss the strengths and limitations of system dynamics approaches to promote inclusive food value chains. This study develops a causal loop diagram (CLD) based on semi-structured stakeholder interviews and policy documents. The main challenges, key variables and causal relationships between them are systematically identified. Variables are coded, generalised and graphically represented, and entry points for intervention and their links to existing policies are mapped. The challenges faced by smallholders in the context of our study can be characterised, using a CLD, as a set of interlinked and reinforcing dynamics which perpetuate existing disadvantages and reinforce duality in the value chain. Key policy entry points have been identified that could be targeted by a coordinated policy package, including: Direct support for infrastructure investment and input access through grants, subsidies or other policies; credit and liquidity provision for day-to-day expenses; creation of aggregation mechanisms for both inputs and outputs; regulations or initiatives that directly target the relationship of farmers with the commercial segment to improve access to day-old-chicks and, finally, training in business and technical skills. Although most of these interventions have been addressed at some point, implementation has been fragmented, failing to fully consider their complementary nature, thus undermining effectiveness. Existing approaches to consensus building and stakeholder participation in system dynamics research can present challenges when it comes to engaging with complex policy processes and issues of conflict of interest that are relevant in the context of smallholder promotion and equitable food systems, but there are promising avenues for addressing. Despite some methodological challenges, we find that there is considerable scope for system dynamics approaches to inform policy for smallholder promotion, even in contexts characterised by complex policy processes.
摘要：
全球畜牧业价值链日益二元化，综合市场领导者与相对弱势的小生产者共存，然而，支持农村生计和粮食获取，也可以为更有弹性的供应链做出贡献。南非肉鸡价值链提供了一个极具说明性的案例研究。这项研究的目的是确定政策干预的潜在杠杆点，以支持南非肉鸡价值链中的小型和新兴生产者，并讨论促进包容性食品价值链的系统动力学方法的优势和局限性。本研究基于半结构化的利益相关者访谈和政策文件开发了因果循环图（CLD）。主要挑战,系统识别关键变量及其之间的因果关系。变量被编码，广义和图形表示，并映射干预的入口点及其与现有政策的链接。在我们的研究背景下，小农面临的挑战可以被表征，使用CLD，作为一套相互关联和加强的动力，使现有的劣势永存，并加强价值链中的二元性。已经确定了关键的政策切入点，可以由协调的一揽子政策作为目标，包括：通过赠款直接支持基础设施投资和投入获取，补贴或其他政策；为日常费用提供信贷和流动性；为投入和产出建立汇总机制；直接针对农民与商业部门的关系的法规或举措，以改善对日龄小鸡的获取，最后,业务和技术技能培训。尽管这些干预措施中的大多数已经在某个时候得到了解决，实施已经支离破碎，没有充分考虑它们的互补性，从而破坏有效性。建立共识和利益攸关方参与系统动力学研究的现有方法在参与与小农促进和公平粮食系统相关的复杂政策进程和利益冲突问题时可能会带来挑战，但是有很有希望的解决途径。尽管存在一些方法上的挑战，我们发现，系统动力学方法有相当大的空间来为小农促进政策提供信息，即使是在以复杂的政策过程为特征的环境中。
