Applying action research to establish functional producer groups and value-adding producer organisations in southern Myanmar

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Smallholder organisations
• governance practices
• institutional arrangements
• market access

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge and thank World Vision Myanmar staff, members of the producer groups, and value chain stakeholders who participated in the action research activities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This action research was funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme, Partnerships for International Development Fund, Funding Arrangement PF 9–558 Tanintharyi Region Rural Income and Livelihoods Development, Myanmar.

Notes on contributors

Randel Esnard

Randel Esnard graduated with a PhD degree from Lincoln University, New Zealand, in July 2021 and is Senior Officer in the Marketing Unit, Department of Agriculture, St. Lucia.

Michael Lyne

Michael Lyne is Associate Professor in the Department of Agribusiness and Markets, Lincoln University, New Zealand.

Ani Kartikasari

Ani Kartikasari is a Lecturer in the Department of Global Value Chains and Trade, Lincoln University, New Zealand.

Kevin Old

Kevin Old is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Land Management and Systems, Lincoln University, New Zealand.