Large (buying) companies in global value chains are increasingly seeking to integrate smallholder farmers into their supply chains. Accordingly, they have developed programs to promote smallholder inclusion through productivity growth, market access, quality improvement, and other initiatives. The complexity of these initiatives highlights the need for a deeper understanding of smallholder inclusion models, applying both theoretical and practical analytical approaches.

This paper examines four KIT Institute case studies of smallholder inclusion initiatives, applying a basic microeconomic perspective alongside an analysis of the broader context, smallholder perceptions, and their agency. The paper concludes with an analytical framework for better understanding smallholder inclusion, grounded in the case study findings, and outlines four key questions for a learning agenda.