Value Chain Analysis

Launched in September 2023, the project is now in its final stages, working with real data and formulating actionable intervention strategies that will evolve into impactful pilot projects.

Our Mission

The Value Chain Analysis aims to enhance efficiency, quality, and profitability within Hawaiʻi Island’s agriculture cluster, focusing on sectors with the highest potential for inclusive growth. By addressing root causes rather than symptoms, we strive to develop sustainable solutions that empower producers and strengthen the entire agricultural ecosystem.

Our Approach

1. Comprehensive Value Chain Mapping

We began by identifying key actors and activities across the value chains, including farmers, processors, distributors, retailers, and consumers. By examining critical functions such as production, processing, packaging, transportation, and marketing, we assessed the value added at each stage and pinpointed areas for improvement.

2. Collaborative Stakeholder Engagement

Working closely with stakeholders—including producer associations, subject matter experts, and industry participants—we facilitated workshops and meetings to develop a deep, shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the value chains. This collaborative process ensures that our analysis is grounded in real-world experiences and insights.

3. Data-Driven Analysis

Now utilizing real data, we are validating our findings and refining our understanding of systemic constraints. This rigorous analysis enables us to identify effective intervention strategies that can address the underlying issues hindering growth and efficiency.

Focus Areas

Our analysis concentrates on three critical value chains:

• Staple Food Crops

  • Encompassing fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products that form the core of Hawaiʻi Island’s diets.

• Export Crops

  • Including key agricultural exports such as coffee, macadamia nuts, papaya, flowers and nursery products, and aquaculture.

• Agribusiness Services

  • Covering operational, technical, training, and business services essential for the sustainability and growth of small farms.

    
    

Key Objectives

• Identify Systemic Constraints

  • Uncover root causes that limit efficiency and growth within each value chain.

• Develop Sustainable Solutions

  • Formulate intervention strategies that address these root causes, paving the way for long-term improvements.

• Facilitate Strategic Alignment

  • Encourage collaboration among stakeholders to align efforts and resources towards common goals.

    
    

Current Progress

• Real Data Analysis

  • We are in the process of analyzing real-world data collected from various stakeholders to validate our initial findings.

• Intervention Strategy Development

  • Based on the data, we are identifying practical, high-impact intervention strategies that will be tested through pilot projects.

• Preparation for Pilot Projects

  • Plans are underway to implement these strategies in small-scale pilots, with the potential for scaling up through producer associations and partnerships.

    
    

Anticipated Deliverables

• Detailed Value Chain Reports

  • Comprehensive reports for each of the three value chains, outlining findings, insights, and recommendations.

• Pilot Project Proposals

  • Well-defined proposals for pilot projects designed to test and refine intervention strategies.

• Stakeholder Engagement Outcomes

  • Enhanced collaboration and strategic alignment among stakeholders committed to advancing Hawaiʻi's agricultural economy.

    
    

Impact and Benefits

By focusing on systemic constraints and sustainable solutions, the Value Chain Analysis Project aims to:

• Empower Producers

  • Improve profitability and efficiency for small farms by reducing input costs and enhancing processes.

• Stimulate Inclusive Growth

  • Create opportunities that benefit a wide range of stakeholders, fostering a more resilient and equitable agricultural sector.

• Enhance Food Resiliency

  • Contribute to Hawaiʻi Island's food security by strengthening the local production of staple food crops.

    
    

Our Supporters

We extend our sincere gratitude to Kamehameha Schools for their support and commitment to advancing agriculture in Hawaiʻi. Their funding has been crucial in enabling us to conduct this in-depth analysis and work towards meaningful change.

Looking Ahead

As we transition from analysis to action, we are excited to:

• Implement Pilot Projects

  • Launch initiatives that test our intervention strategies in real-world settings.

• Engage the Community

  • Involve more stakeholders in collaborative efforts to drive systemic improvements.

• Monitor and Share Progress

  • Keep the community informed about developments, successes, and lessons learned.

    
    

Get Involved

We invite producers, industry stakeholders, and community members to join us in this transformative journey:

• Collaborate

  • Participate in upcoming pilot projects or stakeholder meetings.

• Provide Feedback

  • Share your insights and experiences to enrich our understanding and approach.

• Stay Informed

  • Follow our progress and access resources through our website and communications.