Final report for WPDP23-012
Project Information
Since the closure of the sugarcane plantations nearly thirty years ago, Hawai’i Island’s agriculture has changed dramatically. Diverse, smallholder production now comprises a majority of the island’s farms, yet resources and support to increase their competitiveness have often fallen short. More recently, diverse stakeholders have recognized the issues holding back nearly all small farms are at a system level. Rather than helping farms on an individualized, farm-by-farm basis, a systems approach can unlock solutions that simultaneously benefit large numbers of producers. Although interest is there, finding a supply of technical expertise who can apply this approach to improve the island’s agricultural sector remains challenging.
This project’s purpose is to build a talent pool of diverse agricultural professionals, trained in market systems thinking, who can offer the island’s farms the technical expertise needed for analyzing, understanding, and addressing agricultural issues from a more holistic, systems-level perspective. Participants will be trained using a market systems approach based upon a set of economic development principles currently being applied in more than 60 countries worldwide. Once trained, these professionals will have the knowledge and skills to jointly conduct deeper analysis with farmers on three of the island’s key agricultural value chains - staple food crops, export crops, and agribusiness services. The trained cohort will have the skills and insight to effectively analyze each value chain starting from input supplies, to production, aggregation, processing, distribution, and retailing - with the intention of identifying system-level issues holding back small farm performance during each phase. Information collected throughout the value chain analysis will be incorporated into publicly available studies anyone involved in the island’s agricultural sector - from farmers to nonprofits and even policymakers - can access for a magnified look at the problems constraining growth in those sectors and potential solutions.
The project’s intended impacts are to increase income and employment opportunities for Hawai’i Island’s small farms by creating a talent pool of professionals who can understand market systems, analyze high-potential agricultural value chains, and identify solutions for issues affecting large numbers of farms. To achieve these impacts, the following objectives will guide the project’s strategic framework and work plans:
Objective 1:
By month 12, improve the knowledge, skills, and technical capacity of 12 agricultural professionals in applying a market systems approach and using diagnostic tools to better understand the systemic problems limiting the economic viability of small farms on Hawai’i Island.
Objective 2:
By month 12, improve the skills of 12 agricultural professionals in effectively training producers how to analyze the systemic problems affecting their profitability and sustainability, working with real data in three key agricultural value chains on Hawai’i Island - staple food crops, export crops, and agribusiness services.
Objective 3:
To strengthen the technical capacity of at least 48 agriculture professionals and producer representatives by month 12 to jointly develop at least three shared action plans designed to overcome systemic problems holding back economic potential in staple food crops, export crops and agribusiness services on Hawai’i Island.
The project is planned for a performance period of 12 months, expecting to commence immediately upon grant award in April of 2023 and completing by the end of March, 2024. An overall timeline of project execution and key milestones is outlined below.
Activity 1: Learning Market Systems Facilitation (April – June 2023)
The project’s training team will conduct a total of 8 days of training divided between classroom sessions and remote learning over a three month period. The training will end with a planning workshop to develop plans for the next phase of activity.
Milestone 1: Cohort of 12 training participants successfully complete Market Systems Facilitation training course and demonstrate proficient use of market systems tools in planning workshop.
Activity 2: Facilitating Value Chain Analysis Teams (July – December 2023)
The project’s trainers will guide the cohort of Market Systems Facilitators in training value chain analysis teams comprised of producers and other stakeholders, who will jointly analyze three separate agricultural value chains.
Milestone 2: At least 36 participants successfully complete training in value chain analysis, recommend at least three solutions for system change, and present their findings and recommendations to three meetings of producer groups and other stakeholders involved in their respective value chains.
Activity 3: Facilitating Shared Action Plans (January – March 2024)
The cohort of market systems facilitators will facilitate public-private dialogue amongst producers and agricultural support agencies to develop shared action plans for jointly implementing recommended solutions. The plans and supporting data will be documented in a set of value chain studies and an overall market system report.
Milestone 3: Completion of three shared action plans and a market systems report by 12 market systems facilitators and distribution of the findings to at least 100 producers and other stakeholders participating in HIAP’s network.
Cooperators
- (Researcher)
- (Educator)
- - Producer
Education
The educational approach of the project was designed to balance theoretical instruction with practical application, ensuring that participants could immediately translate learning into actionable insights within their local context. This dual-focus strategy not only reinforced understanding but also encouraged the practical application of concepts to real-world challenges faced by Hawaiʻi’s farmers.
The project’s training sessions equipped participants with tools and insights to apply a market systems approach and perform in-depth value chain analysis. Seven course modules were delivered online over an eight-week period, covering the key principles of market systems development. Core concepts included creating strategic frameworks, diagnosing market systems, facilitating activities to improve systems, and assessing results. Each module was structured to build upon the previous, starting with basic concepts and progressively introducing more complex theories. This scaffolded learning approach was critical in ensuring that participants had a robust understanding of the theoretical underpinnings necessary for effective market analysis and intervention.
To enhance learning, the theory was supplemented with relevant examples specific to Hawaiʻi’s agricultural context. Case studies and scenarios drawn from both local and global contexts illustrated the practical implications of theoretical concepts. This method helped participants visualize how these strategies could be adapted and implemented in their work, bridging the gap between abstract theory and tangible practice.
After completing the online portion of the training, participants attended a series of in-person value chain workshops. These began with training on value chain analysis followed by specific value chain team sessions on three high-potential agricultural sectors – staple food crops, export crops, and agribusiness services. During these sessions, participants reviewed sector-specific information, discussed critical problem areas and constraints, identified data gaps, and developed action plans for gathering necessary information for joint analysis.
Each value chain team utilized actual data gathered from local sources, including agricultural studies, business reports, and direct feedback from producers. This immersive analysis fostered a deep understanding of the current market dynamics and highlighted areas where strategic interventions could lead to significant improvements.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
By month 12, improve the knowledge, skills, and technical capacity of 12 agricultural professionals in applying a market systems approach and using diagnostic tools to better understand the systemic problems limiting the economic viability of small farms on Hawai’i Island.
The Market Systems Facilitation training focused on delivering a comprehensive training program to 14 agricultural professionals. The curriculum was designed to enhance their understanding of market systems, incorporating both theoretical concepts and practical tools necessary for diagnosing and addressing economic constraints. Seven on-line training modules were carried out, starting with an introductory video presentation shared prior to the training session, followed by dialogue and practice in a Zoom training session. The seven modules were held on the following dates:
Date |
On-line Training Module |
July 12 |
1. Transforming Systems |
July 27 |
2. Establishing Strategic Frameworks |
Aug 1 |
3. Diagnosing Market Systems |
Aug 10 |
4. Developing a Vision of Change |
Aug 16 |
5. Facilitating Interventions |
Aug 22 |
6. Adaptive Monitoring |
Aug 29 |
7. Designing Models for System Transformation |
The training cohort of fourteen agricultural professionals participated in a set of training modules explaining market systems development, facilitation and analysis. Key learning outcomes from the training identified from project participants include the following:
- Developed a better understanding of the “big picture” of the island’s agricultural economy and how the various components affect each other.
- Deepened their understanding of the diverse stakeholder interests and value propositions that exist within the agriculture market system and where incentives for change might be introduced.
- Increased their awareness of the importance of examining the rules that apply to market systems, both formal and informal, and identifying where they are unduly inhibiting growth.
By month 12, improve the skills of 12 agricultural professionals in effectively training producers on analyzing the systemic problems affecting their profitability and sustainability, working with real data in three key agricultural value chains on Hawai’i Island - staple food crops, export crops, and agribusiness services.
Participants learned the applications and fundamentals of value chain analysis in this component of the project. This started with value chain analysis training and then involved setting up three value chain analysis teams, with participants collaborating closely with a diverse set of local producers and other agricultural stakeholders to analyze the value chains and market systems for staple food crops, export crops, and agribusiness services, utilizing real data to drive the analysis and identify systemic constraints.
The training cohort and producer representatives went beyond identifying issues by diving into the root causes of key constraints within their respective agricultural value chains. This approach was crucial in transforming theoretical knowledge into practical, actionable insights. By dissecting these underlying challenges across various crops and sectors, the workshops equipped agricultural professionals with a deeper understanding and tools to address systemic barriers to profitability and growth on Hawai’i Island.
Value Chain Analysis Training - Sept 19, 2023
This intensive one-day session convened the cohort of agricultural professionals in person to deepen their understanding of value chain analysis within the context of Hawaiʻi Island's agricultural market systems. The workshop focused on enhancing participants' skills in identifying and prioritizing systemic constraints that hinder agricultural performance. Through presentations and hands-on group exercises, attendees explored real agricultural data, performed market system diagnostics, and mapped out the intricate web of interactions within agricultural value chains. The collaborative efforts culminated in identifying critical intervention areas and drafting actionable strategies to address these challenges.
Staple Food Crops Value Chain Workshop - Sept 20, 2023
The Staple Food Crops Value Chain Workshop focused on understanding critical constraints within the value chain affecting smallholder agriculture on Hawai’i Island. Participants identified several challenges, such as the high costs and limited availability of farm labor, exacerbated by competition from other sectors and economic conditions that make younger generations more reluctant to farm. Issues with the misalignment of supply and demand were noted, where discrepancies between producer capabilities and market expectations lead to inefficiencies. Additional constraints included difficulties accessing suitably-priced markets, often due to a lack of market opportunity awareness and the competition posed by imported low-grade products. Discussions also covered improved technical assistance and agricultural services, highlighting a lack of coordination and information as significant barriers.
Export Crops Value Chain Workshop - Sept 21, 2023
The Export Crops Value Chain Workshop brought representatives from diverse sectors like aquaculture, floriculture, and the macadamia nut industry. Participants shared insights into the root causes of constraints, such as permitting processes that are lengthy and complicated by underfunding and staffing shortages in critical departments. In the area of promotion and branding, the need for a unified voice to support Hawaii’s agriculture sector was emphasized, as was the challenge of inadequate data collection from smaller farms and gardeners. Issues around processing infrastructure were also identified, with specific challenges related to the costs and permitting of facilities, which hinder the development of necessary infrastructure for growth and competitiveness in the export markets.
Agribusiness Services Value Chain Workshop - Sept 22, 2023
During the Agribusiness Services Value Chain Workshop, participants jointly defined critical agribusiness services and discussed the root causes affecting their provision. Critical services identified as lacking included business and financial services, agricultural technical assistance, and marketing and distribution support. Root causes for these gaps included insufficient providers to meet demand, affordability issues, and a general disconnect between service offerings and farmer needs. The workshop underscored the challenges in coordinating these services effectively, particularly the lack of infrastructure and expertise, budgetary constraints, and the political landscape affecting service provision and development.
Analysis of agricultural value chain data and the identification of potential solutions helped all participants recognize the shared problems and issues that are the highest priorities for change in their respective commodities. The following learning outcomes were identified by participants from this activity:
- Learned how to map agricultural value chains and understand how the various functions, rules and players fit together.
- Learned which problems are shared across different agricultural commodities and industries on the island. Identified new market players and stakeholders and now understand their role in the system.
- Learned the importance of identifying the right incentives for facilitating change to improve value chains.
To strengthen the technical capacity of at least 48 agriculture professionals and producer representatives by month 12 to jointly develop at least three shared action plans designed to overcome systemic problems holding back economic potential in staple food crops, export crops, and agribusiness services on Hawaiʻi Island.
The cohort and facilitators synthesized the insights gained throughout the training and analysis phases into presentations that were shared with members of the Hawaii Island Agriculture Partnership (HIAP) and other stakeholder groups.
On December 6, 2023 the annual Hawaiʻi Island Agriculture Partnership (HIAP) forum reviewed the information and held small group meetings to identify priority areas for member action. Held at the Paniolo Heritage Center in Waimea, the forum facilitated a comprehensive review of the agricultural system by HIAP members, who collectively evaluated data and insights from the entire year's activities. The session focused on identifying key areas where targeted improvements could significantly impact the economic viability and sustainability of local agricultural value chains. The forum successfully fostered an environment of collaboration and strategic alignment among farmers, government agencies, and non-profits. HIAP members prioritized four problem areas for action planning - permitting and regulations, lack of value added processing infrastructure, invasive species and pests, and the need for workforce development in the agriculture sector. Action Planning meetings were held for each of the four problem areas as summarized below:
Permitting and Regulations Action Planning - Held on February 28th addressing:
- Protecting land permitted for ag production
- Streamlining access to water development
- New ag housing legislation
- Assessing permitting for new ag-related facilities
- Aligning policy initiatives to support ag production
Value-Added Processing Action Planning – Held on March 6th addressing:
- Building a framework for centralized aggregation and processing facilities
- Supporting existing kitchens and food hubs
- Establishing network support to amplify producer voices
- Innovative models for small farm aggregation, processing, and distribution
- Funding strategies for increasing processing capabilities
Invasive Species Management Action Planning – Held on March 7th addressing:
- Collaborating with research institutions and extension services to expand pest management practices
- Promoting educational initiatives that raise awareness about the risks of invasive species
- Sharing resources and updates on invasive species management
- Assessing the needs for mulch biosecurity
- Investigating the economic impact of invasive species on the ag sector
Workforce Development Action Planning – Held on March 12th addressing:
- Identifying ways to increase ag workforce availability
- Connecting educators, farmers, and culinary programs to schools
- Integration of local products in educational settings and its workforce implications
- Supporting farmers with USDA Food Security and Group Gap initiatives
- Exploring transportation solutions for local food sourcing
Notable learning outcomes from this component relate to the detailed discussions that led to the identification of critical action areas and the alignment of partner efforts to jointly address them. Action outcomes related to the alignment and commitment to shared plans that collectively improve the island’s agricultural value chains and producer profitability.
As an impact of this component, HIAP members have actionable plans designed to address identified challenges including increasing access to land, enhancing value chain efficiencies, fostering regulatory reforms and developing the next generation of farmers. These plans have clear, achievable steps to improve agricultural practices and market opportunities on the island.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
The project has advanced local agricultural professionals' capabilities in market systems facilitation that culminated in the creation of actionable insights and the fostering of collaborative stakeholder engagement. The training enabled participants to look holistically at the ecosystem of Hawaiʻi Island’s and examine the interrelationships and interdependencies of the functions, rules and market actors involved.
Learning Market Systems Facilitation
During the first phase of the project, fourteen agricultural professionals participated in a set of training modules explaining market systems development, facilitation and analysis. Key learning outcomes from the training identified from project participants include the following:
- Developed a better understanding of the “big picture” of the island’s agricultural economy and how the various components affect each other.
- Deepened their understanding of the diverse stakeholder interests and value propositions that exist within the agriculture market system and where incentives for change might be introduced.
- Increased their awareness of the importance of examining the rules that apply to market systems, both formal and informal, and identifying where they are unduly inhibiting growth.
Facilitating Value Chain Analysis Teams
During the second phase of the project, the participants focused on learning value chain analysis and establishing three value chain teams in collaboration with seven producer groups on Hawaiʻi Island. Team meetings identified key problems and systemic constraints for each value chain. Analysis of agricultural value chain data and the identification of potential solutions helped all participants recognize the shared problems and issues that are the highest priorities for change in their respective commodities. The following learning outcomes were identified by participants from this activity:
- Learned how to map agricultural value chains and understand how the various functions, rules and players fit together.
- Learned which problems are shared across different agricultural commodities and industries on the island.
- Identified new market players and stakeholders and now understand their role in the system.
- Learned the importance of identifying the right incentives for facilitating change to improve value chains.
Facilitating Shared Action Plans
The final stage of the project involved the synthesis of insights gained throughout the project into comprehensive action plans. Data on agricultural clusters, sectors and value chains was shared widely with over 120 producers and stakeholders within the Hawaiʻi Island Agriculture Partnership HIAP) network. This data was used to guide shared dialogue on actions to take at the annual HIAP forum. During the forum, HIAP members identified four key areas of improvements to focus on. Four meetings were held with participants and producers to develop four sets of action plans to be coordinated and monitored by HIAP, fostering a unified approach to improving agricultural value chains.
Impacts
The project has contributed to a shift in how agricultural market systems are understood and improved in Hawaii. Participants now possess a nuanced understanding of how to map agricultural market systems and value chains, assess problems to identify their root causes, and develop intervention strategies that are inclusive and efficient.