With governments, donors and NGOs advocating value chain development (VCD) as a means to stimulate economic growth and combat rural poverty, this report presents a timely review of 11 guides for VCD. It compares concepts and methods, and assesses the strengths and limitations of the guides for steering development practice. The authors suggest three crucial areas for debate: means to address the needs of the poor in value chains, tools to help deepen analysis, and mechanisms for mutual learning. The report concludes with key recommendations
