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The role of social networks in inclusion of small-scale producers in agri-food developing clusters

Author

Listed:
  • Ramirez, Matias
  • Bernal, Paloma
  • Clarke, Ian
  • Hernandez, Ivan

Abstract

This paper discusses how network theory and social capital can help explain different patterns of inclusion of small-scale and medium sized producers in agri-food clusters. We make the argument that despite the centralized nature of practices, the manner in which inclusion takes place can vary significantly depending on structural features of local networks and governance factors, especially social capital and the role of lead organisations. Social network analysis allows us to investigate how different patterns of bonding, bridging and centrality of key actors in agricultural clusters can influence diffusion of knowledge. We frame this discussion through a typology that allows us to identify diverse scenarios of inclusion of small-scale producers. This is then used to guide an empirical analysis of two agri-food clusters of small-scale producers in Peru (mango) and Colombia (palm oil). Judicious use of mixed methods and the typology can prove useful to explain diverse patterns of inclusion which have important implications for small-scale agricultural producers.

Suggested Citation

  • Ramirez, Matias & Bernal, Paloma & Clarke, Ian & Hernandez, Ivan, 2018. "The role of social networks in inclusion of small-scale producers in agri-food developing clusters," Greenwich Papers in Political Economy 20062, University of Greenwich, Greenwich Political Economy Research Centre.
    • Handle: RePEc:gpe:wpaper:20062
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    File URL: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/20062/7/20062%20CLARKE_Food_Policy_Inclusion_and%20Developing_Clusters_2018.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Rudnick, Jessica & Niles, Meredith & Lubell, Mark & Cramer, Laura, 2019. "A comparative analysis of governance and leadership in agricultural development policy networks," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 112-126.
    2. Awal Abdul‐Rahaman & Awudu Abdulai, 2020. "Social networks, rice value chain participation and market performance of smallholder farmers in Ghana," African Development Review, African Development Bank, vol. 32(2), pages 216-227, June.
    3. Michał Gazdecki & Grzegorz Leszczyński & Marek Zieliński, 2021. "Food Sector as an Interactive Business World: A Framework for Research on Innovations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-19, June.
    4. Kabirigi, Michel & Abbasiharofteh, Milad & Sun, Zhanli & Hermans, Frans, 2022. "The importance of proximity dimensions in agricultural knowledge and innovation systems: The case of banana disease management in Rwanda," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    5. Mulu Debela Ofolsha & Fekadu Beyene Kenee & Dawit Alemu Bimirew & Tesfaye Lemma Tefera & Aseffa Seyoum Wedajo, 2022. "The Effect of Social Networks on Smallholder Farmers’ Decision to Join Farmer-Base Seed Producer Cooperatives (FBSc): The Case of Hararghe, Oromia, Ethiopia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-19, May.
    6. Gideon Danso-Abbeam & Lloyd J. S. Baiyegunhi & Mark D. Laing & Hussein Shimelis, 2021. "Food security impacts of smallholder farmers’ adoption of dual-purpose sweetpotato varieties in Rwanda," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 13(3), pages 653-668, June.
    7. Oscar Meza Palma & José M. Díaz-Puente & José L. Yagüe, 2020. "The Role of Coffee Organizations as Agents of Rural Governance: Evidence from Western Honduras," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(11), pages 1-17, November.
    8. Marcia F. Kwaramba & Srinivas Sridharan & Felix T. Mavondo, 2023. "Drivers and outcomes of smallholder market participation in Sub-Saharan Africa," Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Springer, vol. 51(5), pages 1165-1183, September.
    9. Klopčič, Marija & Kuipers, Abele & Malak-Rawlikowska, Agata & Stalgiene, Aldona & Ule, Anita & Erjavec, Karmen, 2019. "Dairy farmers' strategies in four European countries before and after abolition of the milk quota," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    10. Meza Palma, Oscar & Díaz-Puente, José M., 2024. "Integration of indigenous people into sustainable development through the territorial analysis of their potential: The case of the Lenca people in Honduras," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    11. Pachoud, Carine, 2024. "Conciliation or a confrontation of agricultural visions? A characterisation of the networks and key actors for sustainable agrifood transformations in the Bauges," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    12. Luong, Tuan, 2023. "Network resilience and risk attitudes: Evidence from Vietnamese Vegetable Farming," 97th Annual Conference, March 27-29, 2023, Warwick University, Coventry, UK 334556, Agricultural Economics Society - AES.
    13. Gorobets Nataliia & Verhun Mykhailo & Nemashkalo Karina & Vovk Volodymyr & Mazur Nataliya & Brovarets Oleksandr & Melnyk Anton, 2024. "Management of Cluster Development of Agricultural Enterprises in Conditions of Digitalization, Legal Risks, Innovative Education and Smart Economy," Management Theory and Studies for Rural Business and Infrastructure Development, Sciendo, vol. 46(4), pages 506-517.
    14. Soliman, Salma & Papanastassiou, Marina & Saka-Helmhout, Ayse, 2023. "The role of subsidiaries in Global Value Chains (GVCs): An institutional voids perspective on LVC upgrading and integration," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 29(2).
    15. Birendra KC & Robert Robbins & Shuangyu Xu, 2025. "A Pathway to Sustainable Agritourism: An Integration of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Resource Dependence Theories," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-20, May.

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