Froukje Kruijssen argues that analyzing livelihoods through a value chain perspective is important but few studies have quantitatively assessed the impact of value chain activities on poverty. There is a need to better understand how participation exposes people to risks and affects their vulnerability. Key processes to examine include (1) incorporation of new actors in value chains which can benefit or harm inclusion, (2) changes in value chains that alter participation terms for existing actors, and (3) expulsion of actors from value chains which can be more detrimental than exclusion. It is important to understand the conditions of inclusion, exclusion, and dynamics of participation in value chains over time to determine if participation can provide pathways out of poverty.