This paper asks whether value chain integration increases smallholder resilience during shocks. Using a qualitative research study design and the test case of the ‘sugar-belt’ in Zambia, the paper draws on interviews with participants from different stakeholder groups, including household case studies and group discussions. Results show sugarcane value chain integration enhances smallholder livelihood resilience during pandemics through its coordination arrangement, but more could be done. Indirect involvement in, and joint procurement processes of inputs between smallholders and the management company, existing ready and stable access to markets and access to Fairtrade relief funds that point to direct livelihood support proved crucial for strengthening smallholder livelihood resilience during the pandemic. There were COVID-19-related adjustments by the management company, which further increased smallholder support. However, in as much as coordination arrangements seemed to have worked well during COVID-19, smallholder livelihoods remained narrow and risky, raising the need for diversification that could strengthen sustainable resilience. This paper sheds light on how value chains could be organised to enhance pandemic recovery and build livelihood resilience. It helps us to reflect on the ‘(in)effectiveness’ of value chain institutions and the role and importance of smallholder coordination arrangements during pandemics. Ultimately, the result is a contribution to livelihood resilience thinking in value chains—one we hope is appropriate to our conjuncture.

中文翻译：

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价值链包容性是否能增强小农在大流行病期间的抵御能力？赞比亚糖产区的经验教训

本文探讨价值链整合是否可以提高小农在冲击期间的抵御能力。本文采用定性研究设计和赞比亚“糖带”的测试案例，对来自不同利益相关群体的参与者进行了访谈，包括家庭案例研究和小组讨论。结果显示，甘蔗价值链整合通过其协调安排增强了小农在大流行期间的生计抵御能力，但还有更多工作可以做。事实证明，间接参与小农和管理公司之间的投入品联合采购流程、现有的现成且稳定的市场准入以及获得直接生计支持的公平贸易救济基金对于加强小农在大流行期间的生计抵御能力至关重要。管理公司进行了与 COVID-19 相关的调整，进一步增加了小农支持。然而，尽管协调安排在新冠肺炎 (COVID-19) 期间似乎运作良好，但小农的生计仍然狭窄且充满风险，这就提高了对多样化的需求，以增强可持续的抵御能力。本文阐明了如何组织价值链以加强大流行病恢复和增强生计抵御能力。它有助于我们反思价值链机构的“有效性”以及小农协调安排在大流行期间的作用和重要性。最终，其结果是对价值链中生计弹性思维的贡献——我们希望这种思维适合我们的处境。