markets

This discussion paper explores the reasons for the lack of agricultural diversity from the perspectives of smallholder households, market actors and extension officers. Zambia’s diversification agenda should be based on  the priorities and requirements of farming households. To succeed it will require the collective efforts of key players, and a range of co-ordinated policy changes. »

This report presents findings of research which aims to understand the leverage points that can catalyse investment opportunities for enhancing quality and safety in the domestic fresh fruit and vegetables (FFV) sector. Key findings on the supply side include that good production practices are diffused from the export platform by small- and medium scale farmers who are producing FFV for both export and domestic markets. A key finding on the demand site is that there is a clear segmentation of markets that recognize the importance of food safety and those wo do not. »

This article focuses on the characteristics of rural credit markets, the determinants of farmer access to markets, the socio-economic impacts of credit access in Vietnam and comparing those of some developing countries. Although positive relationship among credit access, output production, productive efficiency, and total household income are found in most papers; credit also has positively significant impacts on only non-farm income. »

This paper argues that closing the living income gap for small-scale farmer requires tackling the underlying imbalance in risk and market power that many of them face when engaging in global food value chains. The underlying imbalance is not accidental, but reinforced by structural barriers at the level of individual supply chains, commodity sectors, and public policy agendas. »

This paper looks at how to increase awareness and willingness of consumer to buy indigenous vegetables, and to ultimately make markets work for them. One way to increase awareness would be to create labels or certificates to signal to consumer the sustainability benefits of indigenous vegetables. »

This report collates findings across three case studies on what actually happens to institutions around markets during and after crises, and explores how humanitarian policies and interventions can be used to maximize the potential of markets to support the household resilience of people living in situations of crises. »