Success factors for lead firms to shape inclusive procurement

Many lead firms in food manufacturing and retailing are looking to open their supply chains to smallholder farmers. Lead firms are rarely, if ever, in a direct trading relationship with smallholders; the relationship is mediated by one or more levels of trader and supplier. The question then arises of how lead firms can support suppliers to trade with smallholders, and in doing so reconcile inclusion of smallholders with commercial drivers. This report has set out to answer that question, based on interviews with lead firms, suppliers and those working to support suppliers to trade with smallholders.