Relationships between International Buyers and Farmers: Insights from Tonga’s Vanilla Industry

Abstract

Integration into value chains is a vital step for Tonga to achieve its development aspirations. Despite several geographical constraints, Tonga is the eighth largest global producer of vanilla. Tongan smallholder vanilla farmers are being integrated into value chains through two regional lead firms. This study examines this integration process and highlights how international buying firms could adopt culturally sensitive engagement practices to strengthen their connections with farmers. In particular, the study highlights the pivotal role of women in the pollination process and, by extension, in the expansion of the vanilla sector.