Purpose: Collaboration in agricultural value chains (AVCs) has the potential to increase smallholders’ participation in international value chains and increase their benefits from participation. This scoping review explores existing collaboration models among stakeholders of AVCs in developing countries, examines enablers and constraints of collaboration and identifies policy gaps. Design/methodology/approach: We systematically searched three databases, CAB Abstracts, Econlit (EBSCO) and Agricola, for studies published between 2005 and 2023 and included 59 relevant studies on AVC collaboration. Findings: The primary motivations for collaboration are to enhance market access and improve product quality. Key outcomes of collaboration include improvements in farmers’ welfare, market participation and increased production; only a few studies consider improved risk management as an important outcome. Robust support from government and non-governmental entities is a primary enabler of collaboration. Conversely, conflicts of interest among stakeholders and resource limitations constrain collaboration possibilities. Collaboration involving high-value crops prioritizes income increases, whereas collaboration involving staple crops focuses on improving household food security. Research limitations/implications: This study may have publication bias as unsuccessful instances of collaboration are less likely to be published. Originality/value: This study is unique in highlighting collaboration models’ characteristics and identifying AVC policy and programmatic areas where private firms, farmers’ groups, local governments and donor agencies can contribute.

Malnutrition is a major public health concern in Niger. The stunting rate in children in Niger is over 50%, one of the highest in the world. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine children’s dietary diversity (CDD) and the maternal factors that impact CDD. A total of 1265 mother–child pairs were analyzed. Descriptive analysis was conducted to present maternal and child characteristics. To compare the mean scores of CDD in relation to the region, an independent sample t-test was conducted. A one-way ANOVA test was conducted to evaluate the CDD score by different age groups. A linear regression model was estimated to identify household, maternal and child factors that affect the CDD score. Our results indicate that most of the participants of our survey resided in rural areas and the majority (80.7%) of the mothers had no education. Factors such as region, children’s age, woman’s empowerment, vitamin A intake and wealth index were significant predictors of CDD (p < 0.05). The children residing in rural areas were more likely to have lower CDD scores (p < 0.05) than the children in urban areas, therefore becoming more susceptible to malnutrition.

This systematic review and meta-analysis, spanning studies published between 1995 and 2021, investigates various aspects of lunches brought from home (LBFH) to school by children. These meals, in contrast to those provided by the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), lack strict nutritional standards. Despite the availability of NSLP lunches, ∼40% of US children opt for LBFH. This review aims to assess the food content and nutritional quality of LBFH, their adherence to NSLP standards in terms of nutrition and cost, effectiveness of intervention programs designed to enhance their nutritional quality and parental and student perceptions of LBFH. The comprehensive literature search yielded 28 eligible papers, with 16 included in meta-analysis. LBFH commonly include fruits (50%), yet vegetables (17%) and dairy (25%) are less prevalent. They frequently contain snacks (50%), sweets (48%), and sugar-sweetened beverages (31%). Compared with school lunches, LBFH exhibit lower levels of calcium, protein, iron, fiber, and vitamin A, and higher levels of carbohydrates and saturated fat. Intervention programs had no effect on quality of LBFH. On average, LBFH ($1.81) cost slightly less than lunches served at school ($1.98), without accounting for free/reduced-price meals in the calculation. The cost of school lunch for pre-k and kindergarten children became $11.32, nearly 4 times higher than that of LBFH ($2.92), after replicating the meal at home and accounting for meal preparation time. Parents preferred LBFH over school lunches because of concerns related to the quality of school meals served. This study concludes that LBFH are generally less nutritious compared with lunches provided by NSLP. Future research needs to further explore ways to improve parent perception of NSLP. Especially with many states making free meals available to all children, identifying effective ways in promoting and increasing NSLP participation can ensure more children have access to nutritionally balanced and affordable lunches.