The approach adopted by the APRAO project is a holistic view of the rice value chain based on an Integrated and Sustainable Production System (ISPS) concept, which considers the optimization and overall performance of the value chain as the basis for achieving sustainable agricultural production and effective contribution to food security.
The ISPS concept can be applied to all crops, while taking into account the specificities of each. However, the ISPS approach is particularly appropriate for food crops, especially when the production system is directed, at least in part, towards the market.
For the APRAO project, the ISPS approach was adopted in the design of all its activities. Implementation of the project is based on an understanding that different stages of production represent distinct links in the value chain (seed, paddy production, processing and marketing of paddy) with each link has its own specificities. The key merit of the ISPS concept is its focus on the weakest links which have high potential impact on the overall performance of the chain (the optimization of the rice value chain based on the ISPS concept).
The alignment of the seed sector with the paddy value chain facilitates the management of two subsectors in the same chain, such that the various problems can be addressed from a more holistic perspective.
The application of the ISPS concept is based on the following criteria:
The application of ISPS entails the following potential impacts, amongst others:
- The obligation to form partnerships
- The pooling of resources
- The efficient use of resources
- Visibility of actions
- Sustainability of interventions and impacts
