Modernizing Agrifood Markets : Including Small Producers in Dynamic Markets

Agrifood markets in developing and transition countries are undergoing rapid change. Driven by trade liberalization and new food processing and retailing technologies, agrifood markets are becoming more concentrated at all levels (wholesale, retail and intermediary). Market expansion is increasing price competition. Large distribution agents are setting stricter standards in terms of product quality, and reliability and scale of delivery. Observers fear that new patterns of supply and marketing are biased in favour of large farmers, and that economic opportunities for small farmers are shrinking, mainly because they cannot afford the necessary inputs and equipment.

This project will support empirical research addressing these concerns in the following countries: China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, Turkey and Zambia. Researchers will carry out an analysis of production and market conditions in the fresh fruit and vegetable, dairy and (in one case) beef, and chicken sectors in a selected province or district of each country. Against this baseline data, they will endeavor to identify success stories or examples of interventions that ensure small farmers' access to modernizing agrifood markets.

The research will inform a set of policy recommendations to be promoted through policy platforms in a large number of developing countries, including but not limited to the ones in which the research was carried out.