Battlefields of ideas: changing narratives and power dynamics in private standards in global agricultural value chains

Abstract

The rise of private standards, including those involving multi-stakeholder processes, raises questions about whose interests are served and the kind of power that is exerted to maintain these interests. This paper critically examines the battle for ideas -the way competing factions assert their own narratives about value chain relations, the role of standards and related multi-stakeholder processes. Drawing on empirical research on the horticulture and floriculture value chains linking Kenya and the United Kingdom, the analysis explores the framing of sustainability issues, especially around labor issues and good agricultural practice, and the choice of response with respect to private standards and multi-stakeholder initiatives since the late 1990s. We identify four competing narratives currently in play: a dominant Global Sourcing narrative, a Pragmatic Development narrative, a Broader Development narrative and a narrative we term Potentially Transformative. This last narrative is currently emerging through the unpacking of narratives in relation to the framing of sustainability problems and solutions, and in terms of legislative, executive and judicial governance. The paper contributes to emerging understanding of power in value chains, moving beyond material power to a consideration of how ideational power is exerted and resisted.

Pro-poor? Inclusion and exclusion in native potato value chains in the central highlands of Peru

“…For example, it may be misleading to describe an effort as pro-poor when it advances the interests of some while increasing inequities in local communities. Our findings further contribute to the perspective that current configurations of value chains are not typically effective in addressing the development goal of reducing inequality (Fuchs et al, 2011;Nelson and Tallontire, 2014).…”

“…Nelson and Tallontire (2014) identify the conditions necessary to transform a value chain from one that is focused on market efficiency to one that pursues a broad range of sustainability goals, enhances smallholder agency, and benefits livelihoods. Escobal and Cavero (2012) suggest that government support may be necessary to help reduce costs that smallholders accrue when entering into value chains.…”

“…Despite the contestations that exist between market goals and development objectives within VCD, it still must be understood that these seemingly discrete values are not inherently oppositional (Raynolds, 2012). Nelson and Tallontire (2014), for example, suggest that governance that is inclusive, cross-scalar, and emphasizes smallholder agency can be potentially transformative in its ability to address a broad range of sustainability goals beyond market function and coordination. However, investigating how this is achieved, as well as who is included and excluded during these processes, requires more explicit attention (Bolwig et al, 2010;Tallontire and Nelson, 2013).…”

Unraveling the Notion of “Fair Carbon”: Key Challenges for Standards Development

“…With many actors involved, multiple interests at stake, and a competitive context which may push SSOs to act quickly to fill gaps in the standards market, independent research can help to enhance transparency within the process. This paper contributes to a growing body of critical research on standard-setting processes (Bacon, 2010;Cheyns, 2011;Nelson & Tallontire, 2014;Reinecke, 2010;Tallontire, Opondo, & Nelson, 2013). Specifically we contribute through providing an exploration of multiple understandings of fairness and examining which of these feature in GS and FI's operationalization of "fair carbon".…”

Inclusive Businesses and Land Reform: Corporatization or Transformation?

“…As such, the beneficiaries' voice is central to an IB. Historically, smallholders' and farm workers' voice and influence on decision making has been limited [40]. Several instruments provide potential to increase the active participation of the smallholders in the IB.…”