Emerging supply chains of indigenous pork and their impacts on small-scale farmers in upland areas of Vietnam

Rising incomes, urbanization and globalization have been leading to profound changes in the consumption habits of an increasing number of people in developing and transition countries, particularly in Asia. These changes are linked to increasing concerns that small-scale farmers are becoming marginalized in new market set-ups. On the back-ground of these developments we analyze how growing demand for indigenous pork – considered a specialty product among consumers in Vietnam – impacts through newly emerging supply chains on small-scale farmers in upland areas. We analyze supply chains and price transmission as well as compare the impact of marketing institutions on the economics of primary production. Results of market surveys show that carcasses of indigenous breeds are highly appreciated in the market with high retailer prices. Trading of local indigenous pigs is associated with higher net marketing margins. Farmers benefit economically from institutionalized marketing arrangements. Our results highlight the potential of high-value specialty products from uplands areas to be marketed profitably in urban lowland areas. In this way, improvements for the livelihoods of marginalized small-scale producers and the preservation of an endangered agro-genetic resource could be achieved.