The Initiative for Sustainable Trade (IDH), as a convener and funder, has been instrumental in pursuing sustainable commodity specific sourcing. Certification was one of the initial goals but has been shown to have a limited time-bound effect on farmers’ practices and incomes (becoming certified vs staying certified). Questions have also been raised about the additionality of public funding[1].
Solidaridad focuses on value chain development and strengthening the position and income generating capacities of small scale farmers. It consists of a network of organizations throughout the world.
Public private partnerships are evolving as key instruments to merge private sector investments with public sector goals and to achieve SDG2. Dutch funded programs such as FDOV and Orange Corners (implemented through RVO) are concrete examples of partnerships to promote food security and (youth) entrepreneurship a.o. in agriculture.
The second phase of the 2SCALE program implemented by IFDC, SNV, and BoP Inc focuses mainly on local SMEs and farmer organizations in ten countries in Africa. 2SCALE is an agribusiness incubator aiming towards building capacity to develop businesses involved in inclusive value chains with a specific focus on small scale farmers. The first phase of 2SCALE started in 2013. Whereas there was a strong focus on the involvement of Dutch private sector operators and income generation during the first phase, youth entrepreneurship and nutrition related results were prioritized during the second phase, reflecting a shift in focus from private sector led value chain development to a more holistic approach to food security based on local conditions.
Agriterra (est. 1997) works primarily on capacity building of existing farmer organizations aiming towards increasing their abilities to develop as a business entity and have a voice in policy making and value chain development.
[1]https://www.idhsustainabletrade.com/history/