Round Table Africa is asked by SNV to jointly explore how, and under which conditions multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) contribute to the development of agricultural and horticultural value chains in Ethiopia. The core of SNVs approach is to bring primary and secondary value chain actors and other stakeholders together to find solutions for identified bottlenecks in the value chain. These actors join forces in the so-called Coordinating Groups, which have a multi-stakeholder nature. Similarly, these approaches are applied to the tourism sector and to renewable energy value chains.The activities of SNV have had positive effects which have been measured by the organization. However, while a multi-stakeholder platform approach is implemented by SNV in various programs, the efficiency and effectiveness of such platforms has not been studied yet. In other words, it is relevant to question how and why do MSPs contribute to the development of value chains, and as a result to the overall objectives of SNV programs.

The study is executed by Sarah Drost and Fenta Manfredo Abate and will be finalized by the beginning of 2011.