Social Capital, Resources Access and Vertical Coordination of Collective Actions in Value Chains: A Comparative Analysis Between Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana

Abstract

Social capital plays a crucial role in collective action, yet its impact on farmers’ access to resources, trust-based networks, and market coordination remains underexplored. This study examines how social capital shapes resource access and marketing strategies in farmer organizations, focusing on seven cases from the rice value chains in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Using network analysis and Quadratic Assignment Procedure (QAP) correlation, the research identifies different patterns of service access based on trust and proximity. The findings reveal that resource access in farmer groups depends on the structure of their networks—whether centralized or decentralized—alongside external support and policy conditions. In Ghana, social ties have a weaker influence on resource access compared to Côte d’Ivoire. Moreover, organizations with decentralized networks tend to work more with wholesalers, while those with centralized networks sell directly to consumers. These insights contribute to the broader discussion on how farmer networks influence market participation and value chain upgrading in developing countries. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for agricultural development programs to consider leadership dynamics, trust, and organizational governance structures when designing interventions for farmer organizations, cooperatives, and Water Users Associations.