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Recent research has highlighted the valuable contributions that participatory processes contribute in developing system dynamics models of value chains with stakeholders. A new participatory process known as spatial group model building (SGMB) expands these insights, using maps and GIS concepts to improve the facilitation and modelling process. This practical note provides an overview of SGMB, its recent applications in informing development interventions, and proposed innovations to expand its use and dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal‐source foods (ASF) are an important source of nutrients in many developing countries. However, there is limited information on the demand for ASF and the factors influencing their consumption. This study assessed spatial and temporal patterns of ASF consumption in Tanzania using data from a nationally representative household survey. Price and expenditure elasticities of ASF demand were estimated by applying a censored Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) model. Results showed a 30% increase in weekly household expenditure on ASF from USD 3.02 in 2008 to USD 3.94 in 2014. The likelihood of a household purchasing ASF was 4.5 percentage points higher in urban compared to rural areas. With the exception of dried fish, the expenditure elasticity of ASF demand was positive and statistically significant. Expenditure and own‐price elasticities were largest for chicken and lowest for dried fish. The responsiveness of ASF demand to own‐price changes was higher in rural than urban areas in all cases. The findings imply that public policies that either raise household incomes or lower ASF prices have the potential to increase the consumption of ASF and consequently improve food and nutrition security in Tanzania. [EconLit Citations: C33, D12, Q18]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Countries in which foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic may face bans on the export of FMD-susceptible livestock and products because of the associated risk for transmission of FMD virus. Risk assessment is an essential tool for demonstrating the fitness of one's goods for the international marketplace and for improving animal health. However, it is difficult to obtain the necessary data for such risk assessments in many countries where FMD is present. This study bridged the gaps of traditional participatory and expert elicitation approaches by partnering with veterinarians from the National Veterinary Services of Kenya ( n = 13) and Uganda ( n = 10) enrolled in an extended capacity-building program to systematically collect rich, local knowledge in a format appropriate for formal quantitative analysis. Participants mapped risk pathways and quantified variables that determine the risk of infection among cattle at slaughter originating from each of four beef production systems in each country. Findings highlighted that risk processes differ between management systems, that disease and sale are not always independent events, and that events on the risk pathway are influenced by the actions and motivations of value chain actors. The results provide necessary information for evaluating the risk of FMD among cattle pre-harvest in Kenya and Uganda and provide a framework for similar evaluation in other endemic settings.