Assessment of agri-product value chains in the Mekong Delta: Problems and solutions

Abstract

This paper investigated production and distribution of agri-product value chains in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam.  The analysis was driven by key questions relating to 1) problems of agri-product chains, 2) solutions for upgrading agri-product chains in general and 3) key messages and solutions for each value chain of four main products in the Mekong Delta towards sustainable development. The study methodology included the value chain approach of Kaplinsky & Morris (2001), the ValueLinks method of GTZ (2007); Marking value chains work better for the poor (M4P, 2008) and participation of 1,759 chain actors and stakeholders. The conclusions indicated that there were many difficulties and challenges in agri-product value chains in the Mekong Delta including (i) in-efficient production from many stages in the chains, (ii) high production cost, (iii) lack of vertical and horizontal linkages in production and distribution; and (iv) low product quality that need to be solved in order to meet market demands. Many solutions were proposed for upgrading agri-product value chains in general and for six main products in particular in terms of market information, value chain approach, techniques, linkage development and policies.