An exploration of the impact of interdependence based collaborations (IBC) on small-scale farmers and poverty alleviation

Abstract

Poverty and food insecurity are common problems among low-income households in developing countries. Innovative interventions in the agricultural sector are regarded as effective in poverty alleviation and therefore food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined by London and Anupindi (2012) as a lack of access to adequate, safe and nutritious food and is closely associated with poverty. It can ultimately be addressed as part of a broader strategy to alleviate poverty, which would include enterprise-led initiatives, inclusive approaches and value chain adjustments. London and Anuipindi (2012) argued that a study hoping to demonstrate the relevance and reliability of understanding the base of pyramid (BoP) as a catalyst to interdependence–based collaboration, would address the level of agribusiness isolation and individualism, to reap the benefits of shared advantage, followed by addressing the interconnected issues of poverty and food insecurity. This study proposes that small scale farmers can benefit from interdependence-based collaborations (IBC) of key role players from the state, private sector and civil society. Consequently, this is a qualitative exploratory study, aiming to seek new insights into the application of inclusive models based on the IBC within the small farm holding, the private sector, civil society and government, and thus their impact on the capacitation of the small-scale farmer and alleviation of poverty.