Value Chain Analysis of Dryland Agricultural Commodities (Prepared under the HOPE project)A AReddyauthorThe training manual is targeted at all stakeholders who are involved in alleviation of poverty among smallholder farmers in the semi-arid tropics who cultivate their lands under marginal environments. It provides the key concepts to understand the changing dynamics of value chains and case studies in the fast changing market scenario. The consumption pattern of most of the urban consumers is changing towards high-value commodities, ready-to-cook products; they can afford to buy value-added products even though at higher prices. However, the majority of the rural population is still price conscious; they prefer to buy un-processed grains at the cheapest price. Hence, value chain analysis should also look into cost cutting innovations along the value chain to benefit price conscious poor consumers besides focusing on value added products. Under the changing utilization patterns, there is a growing demand for feed and fodder as the demand for livestock products is increasing. Additionally, the non-traditional sources of demand such as brewery, starch and bio-fuel industry are other growth sectors that need to be met by innovative arrangements like bulk marketing of grain.Agriculture-Farming, Production, Technology, Economics2013International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid TropicsMonograph