Breaking Free: Shifting Inclusive Value Chains from a Commodity Focus to Diverse and Resilient Options

This issue of Agriculture and Development Notes explores why inclusive value chain development must look beyond a single commodity to support more resilient farming communities. Using the case of coffee farmers in Barangay Hinalaan, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines, the publication examines how households can become “locked in” to one livelihood pathway despite low and seasonal income. It introduces pathway diversity as a way to understand resilience and assess whether farmers have enough options to adapt to changing economic, environmental, and social conditions. The note highlights the importance of organizational strengthening, market diversification, complementary livelihood options, and local government support. It is useful for practitioners and policymakers working on smallholder resilience, coffee value chains, livelihood diversification, and inclusive rural development in Southeast Asia.