Agriculture is the principal economic sector in the Great Lakes region of Africa and represents a major source of income for rural populations in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Uganda. With the objective of unlocking the high potential of agriculture in this region, the project described here took a value chain approach, intended to develop value chains inclusive of smallholders, producers and other vulnerable rural actors. Value chains with particular relevance in terms of food security were selected to be developed and upgraded, with the aim of tapping their economic and social development potential, enhancing food security, diversifying livelihoods and generating employment through more profitable production systems and increased access to markets and valueaddition activities. This document presents the approach and tools used for developing value chains in Burundi, DRC, Rwanda and Uganda, and shows how this approach contributed to economic growth inclusive of smallholders, producer groups, processors and traders, by increasing income and employment opportunities and promoting private sector investments