ScalA-FS: expert-based ex-ante assessments of local requirements and success potential of upgrading strategies for improving food security in rural Tanzania

Götz Uckert (), Frieder Graef, Anja Faße (), Ludger Herrmann, Harry Hoffmann, Frederick C. Kahimba, Luitfred Kissoly, Hannes J. König, Christine Lambert, Henry Mahoo, Bashir Makoko, Leon Mrosso, Khamaldin D. Mutabazi, Lutengano Mwinuka, Meike P. Schäfer, Jana Schindler, Stefan Sieber, Elirehema Swai and Yusto M. Yustas
Additional contact information
Götz Uckert: Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
Frieder Graef: Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
Ludger Herrmann: University of Hohenheim
Harry Hoffmann: Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
Frederick C. Kahimba: Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
Hannes J. König: Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
Christine Lambert: University of Hohenheim
Henry Mahoo: Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
Bashir Makoko: Agricultural Research Institute (ARI)- Ilonga
Leon Mrosso: Agricultural Research Institute (ARI)- Hombolo
Khamaldin D. Mutabazi: Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
Lutengano Mwinuka: Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
Meike P. Schäfer: Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
Jana Schindler: Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
Stefan Sieber: Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
Elirehema Swai: Agricultural Research Institute (ARI)- Hombolo
Yusto M. Yustas: Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)

Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, 2018, vol. 10, issue 4, No 9, 858 pages

Abstract: Abstract Enhancing food security is the main goal of subsistence farmers, who are vulnerable to food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. Participatory research across food value chains (FVC) can help stabilize and enhance food security by developing upgrading strategies (UPS). However, prior to successful widespread adoption and geographical upscaling, such practices need in-depth understanding of their suitability in target areas and their particular local requirements. Ex-ante assessments of selected UPS were carried out by German and Tanzanian agricultural scientists using the “ScalA-FS” tool. The participating experts included those responsible for implementation. The tool aims to systematically evaluate, at the community level, UPS that have been successfully implemented elsewhere, evaluate their potential for dissemination, and identify entry points for adjustments during implementation. Assessment indicators were developed through a participatory process. UPS relate to a) natural resource management and crop production; b) food processing and bioenergy; c) income generation and market participation; and d) food consumption. Here we present the ScalA-FS assessment results on UPS suitability as well as on its implementation requirements. We focused on the local context needed to enable a productive collaboration between smallholder farmers and implementing research and/or development organizations. Implementation requirements for the selected UPS were assessed as generally low to medium, and projected suitability in most cases was high. Local knowledge and education (human capital) along with visible success after a short time were important criteria of success of UPS. Here, careful consideration of the challenges before and after implementation of UPS is suggested. ScalA-FS should be applied early in the implementation process of UPS in order to support adaptations and successful upscaling at other locations.

Keywords: Ex-ante impact assessment; Upgrading strategies; ScalA-FS; Food security; Food value chain; Tanzania (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1007/s12571-018-0789-0

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