This document discusses agricultural market information in Zambia. It identifies different types of farmers in Zambia, including small/medium farmers with less than 20 hectares and commercial farmers with more than 20 hectares. It also discusses the implications of differences between these farmer types. The document analyzes sources of agricultural price information in Zambia and discusses challenges in providing the right information to different stakeholders. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring information to specific farmer types and their varying needs.
Market orientation and market participation of smallholders in Ethiopia: Impl...ILRI
Presentation by Berhanu Gebremedhin and Moti Jaleta at the 28th triennial conference of the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE), Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, 18-24 August 2012.
The document discusses trends in the US meat market. It provides data on unemployment rates and disposable income compared to inflation indexes. Graphs show prices of corn, soybean meal and various meats over time. Statistics on US hog slaughter and pork production from 2007-2011 are presented. Exports of US pork to countries like Mexico, Japan and Canada are outlined.
A spatial analysis: creating similarity domains for targeted research sites i...Joanna Hicks
This spatial analysis was commissioned by ACIAR to develop similarity domains for targeted research sites in Zimbabwe based on climate, production, market access, and population data. The objectives were to enhance adoption of farming technologies and assist funding bodies to target high-impact regions. Climate, soil, population, and other data layers were overlaid to create six similarity domains centered around existing research sites. Agricultural potential analysis showed a large yield gap between current low-input yields and simulated high-input yields across all domains, indicating room for improvement through investments and interventions.
1. Biofuel policies aimed to promote biofuel production have unintentionally increased pressure on land use and distorted the balance between oilseed crops by favoring those with high oil content like oil palm.
2. The biofuel demand for vegetable oils independent of meal demand has tilted cultivation towards oil palm which has much higher oil yield and lower meal content than other oilseeds.
3. High palm oil prices driven by the link between vegetable oil and petroleum prices through biofuel use provide strong incentives for rapid expansion of oil palm plantations in Southeast Asia.
Determinants of Market Facilitators Choice by Smallholder Farmers in Laikipia...iosrjce
Horticultural crop production is one of the major crops grown in arid and semi-arid lands especially
in Laikipia County, Kenya.Market facilitators’ help in linking smallholder farmers to high value market either
in rural or urban markets. The underpinning factors in choice of market facilitators by smallholder farmers are
not yet well understood. Therefore, this paper aims to determine those factors influencingchoice of market
facilitators by farmers while marketing their produce. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 396
farmers in Laikipia East district. Binary Logit model was used as the major analytical tool; it is applicable
when analyzing binary decision or response. The results showed that, household size, age of household head
and marketing through a group positively influenced choice of market facilitators by smallholder farmers. On
the other hand, number of members in the group, access to market information, purpose of farming and amount
of output produced negatively influenced choice of market facilitators. Based on these findings, policy was
drawn to improve access to facilitators by farmers that linked them to high value output market
Markets and Policies for Improving the Food Security and Incomes of Poor Afri...Joachim von Braun
This document discusses markets and policies to improve food security and incomes for poor African farmers. It provides an overview of conceptual frameworks on markets and related policies. It examines the situation of poor African farmers within and without agricultural and other markets, including developments, opportunities and constraints they face. It discusses implications for policies and research to address food insecurity in Africa and support poor farmers through well-functioning markets.
This document summarizes six underappreciated facts about African agriculture and their implications for poverty reduction and agricultural growth strategies. The key facts are that farm sizes are declining rapidly, grain productivity growth will be inadequate, most farmers are net buyers of staple crops, retail food prices are decreasing, supermarkets account for a small portion of food sales, and markets are not truly liberalized. These facts suggest strategies need to focus on diversification, improving traditional markets, and investing in public goods rather than input subsidies. Reallocating budgets to long-term investments like R&D and reducing policy unpredictability could encourage growth.
Market orientation and market participation of smallholders in Ethiopia: Impl...ILRI
Presentation by Berhanu Gebremedhin and Moti Jaleta at the 28th triennial conference of the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE), Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, 18-24 August 2012.
The document discusses trends in the US meat market. It provides data on unemployment rates and disposable income compared to inflation indexes. Graphs show prices of corn, soybean meal and various meats over time. Statistics on US hog slaughter and pork production from 2007-2011 are presented. Exports of US pork to countries like Mexico, Japan and Canada are outlined.
A spatial analysis: creating similarity domains for targeted research sites i...Joanna Hicks
This spatial analysis was commissioned by ACIAR to develop similarity domains for targeted research sites in Zimbabwe based on climate, production, market access, and population data. The objectives were to enhance adoption of farming technologies and assist funding bodies to target high-impact regions. Climate, soil, population, and other data layers were overlaid to create six similarity domains centered around existing research sites. Agricultural potential analysis showed a large yield gap between current low-input yields and simulated high-input yields across all domains, indicating room for improvement through investments and interventions.
1. Biofuel policies aimed to promote biofuel production have unintentionally increased pressure on land use and distorted the balance between oilseed crops by favoring those with high oil content like oil palm.
2. The biofuel demand for vegetable oils independent of meal demand has tilted cultivation towards oil palm which has much higher oil yield and lower meal content than other oilseeds.
3. High palm oil prices driven by the link between vegetable oil and petroleum prices through biofuel use provide strong incentives for rapid expansion of oil palm plantations in Southeast Asia.
Determinants of Market Facilitators Choice by Smallholder Farmers in Laikipia...iosrjce
Horticultural crop production is one of the major crops grown in arid and semi-arid lands especially
in Laikipia County, Kenya.Market facilitators’ help in linking smallholder farmers to high value market either
in rural or urban markets. The underpinning factors in choice of market facilitators by smallholder farmers are
not yet well understood. Therefore, this paper aims to determine those factors influencingchoice of market
facilitators by farmers while marketing their produce. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 396
farmers in Laikipia East district. Binary Logit model was used as the major analytical tool; it is applicable
when analyzing binary decision or response. The results showed that, household size, age of household head
and marketing through a group positively influenced choice of market facilitators by smallholder farmers. On
the other hand, number of members in the group, access to market information, purpose of farming and amount
of output produced negatively influenced choice of market facilitators. Based on these findings, policy was
drawn to improve access to facilitators by farmers that linked them to high value output market
Markets and Policies for Improving the Food Security and Incomes of Poor Afri...Joachim von Braun
This document discusses markets and policies to improve food security and incomes for poor African farmers. It provides an overview of conceptual frameworks on markets and related policies. It examines the situation of poor African farmers within and without agricultural and other markets, including developments, opportunities and constraints they face. It discusses implications for policies and research to address food insecurity in Africa and support poor farmers through well-functioning markets.
This document summarizes six underappreciated facts about African agriculture and their implications for poverty reduction and agricultural growth strategies. The key facts are that farm sizes are declining rapidly, grain productivity growth will be inadequate, most farmers are net buyers of staple crops, retail food prices are decreasing, supermarkets account for a small portion of food sales, and markets are not truly liberalized. These facts suggest strategies need to focus on diversification, improving traditional markets, and investing in public goods rather than input subsidies. Reallocating budgets to long-term investments like R&D and reducing policy unpredictability could encourage growth.
This document summarizes six underappreciated facts about African agriculture and their implications for poverty reduction and agricultural growth strategies. Farm sizes are declining rapidly due to population growth, productivity growth alone will not lift most households out of poverty, most rural households are net buyers of staple crops so higher prices hurt them, retail food prices are generally declining, supermarkets currently play a small role, and markets are not truly liberalized. These facts suggest strategies need to focus on higher-return diversification beyond grains and boosting smallholder competitiveness rather than assuming productivity growth or market liberalization alone will solve problems.
This document summarizes six underappreciated facts about African agriculture and their implications for poverty reduction and agricultural growth strategies. The key facts are that farm sizes are declining rapidly, grain productivity growth will be inadequate, most farmers are net buyers of staple crops, retail food prices are decreasing, supermarkets account for a small portion of food sales, and markets have not truly been liberalized. These facts suggest strategies need to focus on diversification, improving traditional markets, and investing in public goods rather than input subsidies. Reallocating budgets to long-term investments like R&D and reducing policy unpredictability could encourage growth.
Jobs and Ethiopia’s agri-food system: Reviewing the evidenceessp2
This document reviews evidence on jobs and Ethiopia's agri-food system. It finds that agriculture remains extremely important for employment in Ethiopia, accounting for over 75% of jobs, though this share is declining slowly. Labor productivity in agriculture is increasing over time but remains low, with larger, more commercial farms showing higher productivity. Hired agricultural wage labor constitutes a small share of total agricultural labor. Wages are increasing in rural areas but remain low internationally. Food processing, trade, and transportation make up sizable shares of non-farm employment in Ethiopia's agri-food system.
Development and mentorship: Beef profit partnerships experiencesILRI
Presentation by N.B. Nengovhela at an inception workshop for the Competitive Smallholder Livestock in Botswana project held at Gaborone, Botswana on 31 October 2012.
Extension and determinants for adoption of direct seeding mulch-based croppin...Joanna Hicks
This document summarizes research on the adoption of direct seeding mulch-based cropping systems (DMC), a form of conservation agriculture, by smallholder farmers in southern Sayaboury province, Lao PDR. The research found that DMC led to increased maize yields, lower production costs, higher incomes, and improved labor productivity compared to conventional tillage. Adoption of DMC increased from 6% of households in 2005 to 24% in 2008. Adoption was higher in villages with more severe soil degradation and among farmers experiencing lower yields. While some farmers experimented due to environmental issues, others expanded use of DMC due to its economic benefits. Barriers to further adoption included access to credit, mechan
Implications of Price and Production Shocks on Food Security in Ethiopia: A G...guest9970726
The document summarizes the results of a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model analysis of the implications of price and production shocks on food security in Ethiopia. The model simulates the impact of drought-induced crop failures and livestock losses. It finds that while local household incomes fall significantly, national impacts are small due to Ethiopia's diverse agriculture and integrated markets absorbing supply changes. Isolated local shocks primarily impact the local area.
International Food Policy Research Institute/ Ethiopia Strategy Support Program (IFPRI/ ESSP)and Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI) Coordinated a conference with Agriculutral Transformation Agency (ATA) and Ministry of Agriculutrue (MoA) on Teff Value Chain at Hilton Hotel Addis Ababa on October 10, 2013.
This document discusses an integrated sugarcane and livestock production model in Brazil. It finds that the most important integration is with livestock production on pastures. An urgent and large-scale integration is needed that adapts to different livestock systems and will not be adopted under regular expansion patterns. The integration would involve using sugarcane mill residues to produce complete rations for cattle at the mill sites. This would create an economic incentive for cattle production to remain integrated with crops and prevent its migration. The integration is found to potentially increase food production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote regional development by re-investing profits locally.
This spatial analysis created six similarity domains for targeted research sites in Zimbabwe based on climate, soil type, population, market access, and agricultural potential. The domains showed relatively low average travel times to markets but noted constraints to input access could still limit yields. While current average yields are below 1.75 tons/ha, the analysis found a continued high potential yield gap across the regions. It identified spatial areas that would most benefit from extrapolating targeted farming technologies from the research locations.
"Prioritizing agricultural subsector growth and investments at the country level: Methodology to assess economy-wide impacts", presentation by James Thurlow and Paul Dorosh at the USAID, IFPRI Financial Gap Analysis Workshop held at the World Bank, January 7, 2010.
Agricultural Price Rise – Addressing the Supply Side ConstraintsVenkata Subramanian
Panel discussion on “Agricultural Price Rise – Addressing the Supply Side Constraints” held on 26th August 2011 at TAFE’s MDCC [Management Development Consultancy Centre], 105, Dr Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai between 1500 hrs and 1730 hrs. This programme is being organised to obtain the views of the stakeholders.
Presentation by
In this regard, we will be happy if you could confirm your presence as a panelist, during the panel discussion and provide your inputs on the topic. Your valuable inputs will be helpful in recommending solutions on the issue, to the Government.
Towards sustainable & productive farming systems for Africa: experiences and ...ACIAR
Towards sustainable & productive farming systems for Africa: experiences and lessons from SIMLESA - Dr Mulugetta Mekuria, Senior Scientist, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and SIMLESA Project Leader
Optimizing livelihood and environmental benefits from crop residues in smallh...ILRI
Presentation by Sabine Homann-Kee Tui and Andre van Rooyen for the SLP Crop Residues Project Review and Planning Meeting, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 9-10 December 2010.
How big are post-harvest losses in Ethiopia? The case of teffessp2
1) The document analyzes post-harvest losses in the teff value chain in Ethiopia through surveys of 1,200 farmers, wholesalers, and retailers.
2) Total estimated post-harvest losses along the teff value chain range from 2.2-3.3% of total production due to losses during threshing, storage, and transportation.
3) While teff losses are lower than some other crops for farmers, losses are higher at the retail level compared to other crops according to a survey of urban retailers.
The document provides an overview of India's large population and growing economy. Some key points:
- India has a population of over 1.21 billion people, with over 60% under age 35 and urban population contributing 60% of GDP.
- Household income is increasing significantly across income brackets, fueling more discretionary spending.
- Many sectors like FMCG, retail, healthcare and hospitality are experiencing strong growth of 6-15% annually.
- Television is a major advertising medium due to its large reach, though distribution challenges remain due to a fragmented market of over 50,000 cable operators.
- The document introduces Prime Connect as an independent distribution platform that aims to organize channel distribution through various digital platforms
This document discusses the design of information and communication technology (ICT) innovations to empower teachers and school managers in low-resource settings. It proposes a "Class Journal" concept to serve as a 21st century classroom register that records student and teacher interactions. A prototype was collaboratively developed and tested. The document advocates a hybrid approach combining the Capability Approach framework, which focuses on individuals' meaningful choices and agency, and Design Thinking practices, which employ empathy and prototyping to address problems in a process-oriented way. By balancing these approaches, the hybrid method seeks to design technology that enhances user capabilities while avoiding potential new power imbalances.
Transforming institutions: the case of IS innovation for agriculture advisory...Mira Slavova
This document discusses IS innovation for agriculture advisory services in Ghana. It finds that IS innovations have progressed through three generations: (1) providing basic access to information and organizing existing resources, (2) increasing interaction through multimedia and modifying actions through single-loop learning, and (3) enabling information and knowledge sharing through double-loop learning. Key enabling and constraining factors include infrastructure, organizational norms, and traditional oral culture. Sample first generation IS artifacts include GIFEC's CICs and GAINS' question and answer system, while second generation examples are Esoko Scout and third generation is Talking Book knowledge exchanges.
This document summarizes six underappreciated facts about African agriculture and their implications for poverty reduction and agricultural growth strategies. Farm sizes are declining rapidly due to population growth, productivity growth alone will not lift most households out of poverty, most rural households are net buyers of staple crops so higher prices hurt them, retail food prices are generally declining, supermarkets currently play a small role, and markets are not truly liberalized. These facts suggest strategies need to focus on higher-return diversification beyond grains and boosting smallholder competitiveness rather than assuming productivity growth or market liberalization alone will solve problems.
This document summarizes six underappreciated facts about African agriculture and their implications for poverty reduction and agricultural growth strategies. The key facts are that farm sizes are declining rapidly, grain productivity growth will be inadequate, most farmers are net buyers of staple crops, retail food prices are decreasing, supermarkets account for a small portion of food sales, and markets have not truly been liberalized. These facts suggest strategies need to focus on diversification, improving traditional markets, and investing in public goods rather than input subsidies. Reallocating budgets to long-term investments like R&D and reducing policy unpredictability could encourage growth.
Jobs and Ethiopia’s agri-food system: Reviewing the evidenceessp2
This document reviews evidence on jobs and Ethiopia's agri-food system. It finds that agriculture remains extremely important for employment in Ethiopia, accounting for over 75% of jobs, though this share is declining slowly. Labor productivity in agriculture is increasing over time but remains low, with larger, more commercial farms showing higher productivity. Hired agricultural wage labor constitutes a small share of total agricultural labor. Wages are increasing in rural areas but remain low internationally. Food processing, trade, and transportation make up sizable shares of non-farm employment in Ethiopia's agri-food system.
Development and mentorship: Beef profit partnerships experiencesILRI
Presentation by N.B. Nengovhela at an inception workshop for the Competitive Smallholder Livestock in Botswana project held at Gaborone, Botswana on 31 October 2012.
Extension and determinants for adoption of direct seeding mulch-based croppin...Joanna Hicks
This document summarizes research on the adoption of direct seeding mulch-based cropping systems (DMC), a form of conservation agriculture, by smallholder farmers in southern Sayaboury province, Lao PDR. The research found that DMC led to increased maize yields, lower production costs, higher incomes, and improved labor productivity compared to conventional tillage. Adoption of DMC increased from 6% of households in 2005 to 24% in 2008. Adoption was higher in villages with more severe soil degradation and among farmers experiencing lower yields. While some farmers experimented due to environmental issues, others expanded use of DMC due to its economic benefits. Barriers to further adoption included access to credit, mechan
Implications of Price and Production Shocks on Food Security in Ethiopia: A G...guest9970726
The document summarizes the results of a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model analysis of the implications of price and production shocks on food security in Ethiopia. The model simulates the impact of drought-induced crop failures and livestock losses. It finds that while local household incomes fall significantly, national impacts are small due to Ethiopia's diverse agriculture and integrated markets absorbing supply changes. Isolated local shocks primarily impact the local area.
International Food Policy Research Institute/ Ethiopia Strategy Support Program (IFPRI/ ESSP)and Ethiopian Development Research Institute (EDRI) Coordinated a conference with Agriculutral Transformation Agency (ATA) and Ministry of Agriculutrue (MoA) on Teff Value Chain at Hilton Hotel Addis Ababa on October 10, 2013.
This document discusses an integrated sugarcane and livestock production model in Brazil. It finds that the most important integration is with livestock production on pastures. An urgent and large-scale integration is needed that adapts to different livestock systems and will not be adopted under regular expansion patterns. The integration would involve using sugarcane mill residues to produce complete rations for cattle at the mill sites. This would create an economic incentive for cattle production to remain integrated with crops and prevent its migration. The integration is found to potentially increase food production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote regional development by re-investing profits locally.
This spatial analysis created six similarity domains for targeted research sites in Zimbabwe based on climate, soil type, population, market access, and agricultural potential. The domains showed relatively low average travel times to markets but noted constraints to input access could still limit yields. While current average yields are below 1.75 tons/ha, the analysis found a continued high potential yield gap across the regions. It identified spatial areas that would most benefit from extrapolating targeted farming technologies from the research locations.
"Prioritizing agricultural subsector growth and investments at the country level: Methodology to assess economy-wide impacts", presentation by James Thurlow and Paul Dorosh at the USAID, IFPRI Financial Gap Analysis Workshop held at the World Bank, January 7, 2010.
Agricultural Price Rise – Addressing the Supply Side ConstraintsVenkata Subramanian
Panel discussion on “Agricultural Price Rise – Addressing the Supply Side Constraints” held on 26th August 2011 at TAFE’s MDCC [Management Development Consultancy Centre], 105, Dr Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai between 1500 hrs and 1730 hrs. This programme is being organised to obtain the views of the stakeholders.
Presentation by
In this regard, we will be happy if you could confirm your presence as a panelist, during the panel discussion and provide your inputs on the topic. Your valuable inputs will be helpful in recommending solutions on the issue, to the Government.
Towards sustainable & productive farming systems for Africa: experiences and ...ACIAR
Towards sustainable & productive farming systems for Africa: experiences and lessons from SIMLESA - Dr Mulugetta Mekuria, Senior Scientist, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and SIMLESA Project Leader
Optimizing livelihood and environmental benefits from crop residues in smallh...ILRI
Presentation by Sabine Homann-Kee Tui and Andre van Rooyen for the SLP Crop Residues Project Review and Planning Meeting, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 9-10 December 2010.
How big are post-harvest losses in Ethiopia? The case of teffessp2
1) The document analyzes post-harvest losses in the teff value chain in Ethiopia through surveys of 1,200 farmers, wholesalers, and retailers.
2) Total estimated post-harvest losses along the teff value chain range from 2.2-3.3% of total production due to losses during threshing, storage, and transportation.
3) While teff losses are lower than some other crops for farmers, losses are higher at the retail level compared to other crops according to a survey of urban retailers.
The document provides an overview of India's large population and growing economy. Some key points:
- India has a population of over 1.21 billion people, with over 60% under age 35 and urban population contributing 60% of GDP.
- Household income is increasing significantly across income brackets, fueling more discretionary spending.
- Many sectors like FMCG, retail, healthcare and hospitality are experiencing strong growth of 6-15% annually.
- Television is a major advertising medium due to its large reach, though distribution challenges remain due to a fragmented market of over 50,000 cable operators.
- The document introduces Prime Connect as an independent distribution platform that aims to organize channel distribution through various digital platforms
This document discusses the design of information and communication technology (ICT) innovations to empower teachers and school managers in low-resource settings. It proposes a "Class Journal" concept to serve as a 21st century classroom register that records student and teacher interactions. A prototype was collaboratively developed and tested. The document advocates a hybrid approach combining the Capability Approach framework, which focuses on individuals' meaningful choices and agency, and Design Thinking practices, which employ empathy and prototyping to address problems in a process-oriented way. By balancing these approaches, the hybrid method seeks to design technology that enhances user capabilities while avoiding potential new power imbalances.
Transforming institutions: the case of IS innovation for agriculture advisory...Mira Slavova
This document discusses IS innovation for agriculture advisory services in Ghana. It finds that IS innovations have progressed through three generations: (1) providing basic access to information and organizing existing resources, (2) increasing interaction through multimedia and modifying actions through single-loop learning, and (3) enabling information and knowledge sharing through double-loop learning. Key enabling and constraining factors include infrastructure, organizational norms, and traditional oral culture. Sample first generation IS artifacts include GIFEC's CICs and GAINS' question and answer system, while second generation examples are Esoko Scout and third generation is Talking Book knowledge exchanges.
This document discusses aligning the Capability Approach (CA) framework with Design Thinking (DT) for developing technologies that are sensitive to human capabilities. It provides three examples:
1. CA can be used to scope the problem space and understand user needs and constraints, while DT operationalizes translating this into solutions. Iterative alignment of the problem and solution spaces is key.
2. CA serves as a framework for exploring both the socio-technical problem space and sensitive design of solutions that consider individual capabilities.
3. An example shows how CA was used to understand an Indian woman's capabilities/constraints with water, and DT to design a solution that fits within her abilities and budget.
The document discusses the top 10 misconceptions about market information systems (MIS). It summarizes Esoko's experience developing an MIS platform over 5 years, including building a team of 40 employees, spending $2 million, and now operating in 20 countries. Key lessons learned include that markets are not well understood, development cycles may not allow for success, and sustainability requires a business model focused on serving both public and private sector needs.
1. Many early MIS (1G) from the 1980s-1990s showed disappointing results with information that did not meet user needs, lack of sustainability, and inadequate monitoring and evaluation. A new generation of MIS (2G) emerged in the 2000s with innovations enabled by information technologies.
2. The document analyzes the evolution of MIS by comparing features of early 1G systems to current MIS. Many 1G systems have integrated new technologies like email and SMS while still using traditional dissemination methods. 2G MIS rely more heavily on new technologies.
3. Innovations in current MIS include more extensive price and volume data collection, diversified information sources, and expanded information
This document discusses the rationale for a research project and workshop on second generation market information systems (2G MIS). It notes problems with first generation MIS and the greater diversity of 2G MIS. The research project aims to characterize MIS, analyze innovations, and assess impact. The workshop objectives are to support the research activities and strengthen the expert network by facilitating information sharing and coordination.
This document analyzes the benefits of improved market information for farmers and traders in Africa. It presents a price adjustment model to estimate the reduction in social welfare loss from more accurate price forecasts. The model is applied to major cereals in Mali, estimating losses from different levels of forecast errors. Sensitivity analysis shows benefits are greater when uncertainty is high, demand is inelastic, and supply is elastic. Cost-benefit comparisons of market information systems in various countries are provided.
The document analyzes market efficiency in maize markets in Benin over four time periods: 1988-1992, 1993-1996, 1997-2000, and 2001-2007. It uses a parity bounds model to estimate efficiency rates, arbitrage rates, autarky rates, and other measures. The results show that market efficiency increased over time, with the efficiency rate rising from 22% in 1988-1992 to 21% in 1997-2000. The establishment of a public market information system in 1993 helped improve some measures of market performance compared to the earlier period.
The document describes the Kenya Agricultural Commodity Exchange (KACE) model, which uses a Market Information and Linkage System (MILS) to connect smallholder farmers in Kenya to agricultural markets. The MILS components include rural Market Resource Centers, SMS services, radio programs, and an internet database. The system provides farmers with price information and directly facilitates commodity transactions. Studies found the model improved farmers' incomes and bargaining power. However, scaling up faces challenges like ICT illiteracy and infrastructure issues. KACE aims to expand the system's reach and help more farmers participate profitably in input and output markets.
The document discusses setting up a vegetable market information and consultation system in Vietnam. [1] It analyzes changes in Vietnam's food sector due to market liberalization, urban growth, and market segmentation. [2] Marketing constraints expressed by Vietnamese vegetable farmers are examined. [3] Insights from literature on market information systems and their mixed results are provided. The objective of the Hanoi vegetable market information and consultation system is defined as combining market information dissemination with organizing debates between stakeholders. [3]
1) SIEL is a market information system in Madagascar that provides price and volume data from production and wholesale markets to vegetable farmers.
2) A survey of 97 farmers found they need more information on consumption markets, which SIEL has difficulty collecting. Radio broadcasting shows promise in disseminating information to more farmers.
3) There are disparities between small, medium, and large farmers in their ability to utilize market information due to different constraints and marketing strategies. Improvements could focus information more on consumption markets and using radio.
The Observatoire du Riz (Rice Observatory) in Madagascar provides market information to support decision making around rice, a critical crop. It collects price and other data weekly and shares it with the Consultation Platform for Rice Commodity Chain Steering to facilitate dialogue. This information was instrumental in anticipating and managing crises to stabilize rice prices and availability. However, the system primarily benefits larger stakeholders and government, while small farmers have limited participation and influence over decisions.
This document discusses pathways by which improved market information can affect market performance and implications for evaluating the impacts of market information systems (MIS). It summarizes that:
1) MIS can directly impact private actors' decisions around spatial arbitrage, production, and pricing, but indirectly impact markets through complementarity with other infrastructure and improved policies.
2) Evaluating direct impacts is more straightforward but attributing indirect impacts to MIS is difficult due to other contemporaneous factors.
3) While conceptual links exist between better information and market outcomes, private investment alone may not sufficiently provide information due to issues like indivisibility, non-excludability, and uncertainty.
The document analyzes 60 farmer advisory services in Africa that use ICT. It divides the projects into 4 categories based on the technology used: voice, radio, mobile phones, and e-learning. The most common technologies were internet, radio, and mobile phones. The projects varied in duration, scale, and type of organization implementing them. SMS services were popular but had limitations. Voice and video solutions provided benefits but also had costs. The most successful SMS service was Esoko, while Infonet-Biovision used pictures to overcome constraints of text. Barriers to scaling up the services included attracting private investment and developing appropriate technologies for local contexts.
The document discusses the rationale for establishing a Regional African Agricultural Market Information System (RAAMIS). It notes Africa's large food import bill and undernourished population despite abundant resources. Currently, farmers lack access to input and output markets due to fragmented national systems and lack of regional integration. The RAAMIS would provide a one-stop online platform to share market information across Africa and promote intra-African agricultural trade. It would build on existing market information systems and statistical databases through partnerships. Challenges include developing consensus, effective partnerships, and mobilizing resources to implement this initiative.
This document discusses the key elements needed for an efficient cocoa market information system in producing countries. It outlines objectives like increasing transparency and farmer bargaining power. A successful system provides information that is relevant, reliable, timely, accessible and simple. Effective dissemination strategies include using local radio, SMS services, websites and television. Sustainable financing is important, such as through a small levy on cocoa exports. The experiences of Nigeria, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire provide lessons on implementing successful market information systems.
The document discusses agricultural risk modeling and management. It describes how traditional approaches for estimating crop losses have significant weaknesses by not fully accounting for changes in technology, price volatility, market information and weather variability. An improved approach uses a probabilistic agricultural risk model that incorporates weather data, yield trends adjusted for technology, price modeling and generation of potential crop loss outcomes to better estimate risks under different conditions. The model can help farmers, donors and others strengthen risk management and decision making.
The document discusses government intervention in Senegal's agricultural markets and the creation of the Agence de Régulation des Marchés (ARM). [1] It outlines the evolution from state monopoly to liberalization with regulatory information and policy discussions between stakeholders. [2] The ARM was established in 2002 as an autonomous administrative structure to monitor market prices, facilitate discussions between actors, and support new commodities like onion, potato, banana, and rice. [3] It regulates markets through an interprofessional body representing producers, processors, traders, consumers, and public institutions.
1. Towards Improved Decision Making for
Different Types of Farmers and Other
Different Types of Farmers and Other
Sector Stakeholders:
Reflections on Agricultural Market Information
R fl ti A i lt l M k t I f ti
Developments and Challenges in Zambia
M.T. Weber
ACF/FSRP and Michigan State University
Presented at “Workshop on Agricultural Market Information
Workshop
Systems in Africa: Renewal and Impact” Montpellier, France
29-31 March, , 2010
2. Outline of Presentation
Outline of Presentation
1. Identify sources of agriculture/food price
1 Identify sources of agriculture/food price
information and use in Zambia.
2. Identify and discuss the implications of
2 Identify and discuss the implications of
differences among:
‐ small/medium farmers =0 20 ha & customary land
small/medium farmers =0‐20 ha & customary land
(1.5 million small & medium‐scale farmers
‐ commercial farmers = >20 ha and free hold title
commercial farmers = >20 ha and free‐hold title
(1400 commercial farms– less than 500 farm>500 ha
3. Discuss the importance of the asking the question
3 Di th i t f th ki th ti
of what information for whom?
3. Zambian Agricultural Market
Information Sources
• ZNFU SMS Trade Bid (CAMIS Cambodia)
• ZAMACE (Commodity Exchange)
• CSO retail prices
• AMIC Ag Market Information Center
AMIC – Ag Market Information Center
• FEWs Net Markets (Use of CSO price data)
4. Empirical Data on
Smallholders
in Zambia – Nation Wide
Random Surveys
Map of Central Statistical Office Statistical Enumeration Areas (SEAs) Sampled
in the CSO/MACO/FSRP Post Harvest and Supplemental Surveys in
2001, 2004 and 2008 by Zambia’s Agro-Ecological Zones
5. % of Small/Medium‐Scale Farmers
Growing Crops
G i C
Attributes
Att ib t Crop
C 1999/00 2002/03 2006/07 trend
t d
Maize 80 80 84
Cassava 38 39 34
%
HH Groundnuts
G d 36 42 38
Growing Sweet
28 19 13
potatoes
Cotton 6 10 10
6. Under Appreciated Facts About Small &
Medium‐Scale Farmers
M di S l F
Most rural farm households are buyers of maize
(or net buyers)
‐‐‐28 % of smallholders are net maize sellers
28 % of smallholders are net mai e sellers
‐‐‐49 % of smallholders are net supplemental buyers of
maize (11 % did not produce any maize);
‐‐‐23 % produced but did not sell nor buy maize
Highly concentrated patterns of surplus
generation ‐ 2% of farm households account for
generation 2% of farm households account for
50% of marketed maize surplus
Maize market position is highly associated with
Maize market position is highly associated with
area cropped and household assets
7. How to Help ‐ Which Farmers & What
Information Helps Solve Their Problems?
I f i H l S l Th i P bl ?
2500.00 2.50
Mea cropped area(Ha)
2000.00 2.00
1500.00
acha
1.50
d
000 Kwa
1000.00
1.00
500.00
an
00
.00 .50
-500.00 .00
Net sellers Net buyers Net buyers with Not in market
(28.0%)
(28 0%) with maize no maize (23.4%)
(23 4%)
production production
(37.9%) (10.7%)
Maize Farmer Category
Net sales (not in 000 Kwacha) Gross value of maize production
Value of assets Cultivated land area
2008 (07/08 Crop Marketing Season)
8. Disparities in Livelihoods Within
Smallholder Agriculture, Zambia
N= Farm Asset Gr. Rev., Gr. Rev., Total hh
size values maize sales crop sales gross
(ha) (US$) (US$) (US$) income
(US$)
$
Top 50% of
small/medium 30,043 7.2 3,703 3,199 3,354 7,624
maize sales (2%)
Rest of maize
sellers 388,795 1.9 257 172 252 1,272
( %)
(26%)
Households
not selling 1,083,395 1.1 129 0 57 756
maize (72%)
Source: CSO Supplemental surveys, 2008
9. Village Leader Indication of Maize Grain Shortages in
Their Areas When HHs Want To Buy
Nor LUA N CB Ce East Ls Sout Wes Natio
ther W ntr ern ak hern tern nal
n al a
Number of Village
179 119 67 41 61 238 27 163 158 1,053
Leaders Interviewed
% of Leaders saying
there are months of
year when hhs in
93 87 97 85 88 97 96 94 95 93 %
village who want to
buy maize but there is
none available
Most Common Month 12 1 11 10 12 1 12 12 10 12
2nd Month 1 2 12 11 1 2 1 1 11 1
3rd Month 2 3 1 12 2 3 2 2 12 2
10. Zambia ‐ Maize Situation & Market Information for
2007/2008 Marketing Year
Type of Number of Production Sales Mean Farm‐ Market Information Needs?
Farmer Farmers Metric tons Metric tons Level Storage
Home Use
Commercial 1400 218,728 174,164 (80 %) Selling Prices, Buyers, Exports
S/M –Sellers (28 %) 418,802 1,319,774 762,093 (58%) 1.3 mt Selling Prices, Buyers, Storage
[30,150] [381,046 Information
S/M – Buyers
/ (38 %) 576,694
( ) 411,391 0 (0 %)
( ) 1.0 mt Stocks, Buying Prices, Storage
Information, Wage Information,
Prices non‐farm goods/services
S/M –Buyer (11%) 159,507 0 0 (0 %) 0 Buying Prices, Wage
–No
N information, Prices Non‐Farm
i f ti Pi N F
Production goods/services
S/M ‐ (29 %) 347,194 229,527 0 (0 %) .8 mt Good years – Selling Price
Autarkic Bad Years – Buying Price
Storage
Small/Med 1,502,197 1,960,692 762,093 (58 %) .9 mt
Tot.
Other Important Stakeholders to also Consider:
Other Important Stakeholders to also Consider:
Small Trader/Assembly, Trader/Wholesale, Trader/Importer/Exporter,
Millers/Feed Manufacture, FRA Security Stock
11. Discussion and Brainstorming
• Many tools are becoming available for farmers with volumes to
sell – this needs to continue & link to regional trade options
• In most years there seems to be too much maize leaving local
areas – what information might help improve local stocks?
• In some years an increased number of smallholders may have
In some years an increased number of smallholders may have
small quantities to sell. How to serve them?
• In some years many more hhs may need to buy. What
information helps inform this? Crop forecast & buying forecast?
• A majority of hhs need to increase production, first for home
consumption & to sell. What information helps?
consumption & to sell What information helps?
• Improved on‐farm storage for consumption and possible selling
later seems to have potential – what to do to help with
information on this front?
12. Zikomo Kwambili,
Natotela sana,
L'i tumezi ahulu,
Twalumba kapati,
Thanks to Zambian smallholders, traders,
consumers and to policy makers for
opportunities to obtain/share information and
ideas
14. Maize Productivity Patterns &Trends
Summary
Increases in maize production have come largely from
p g y
area expansion not yield improvements
Maize yield potential not being achieved even in the era of
FSP
large portion of smallholder with declining maize yield over
03/04 to 07/08
By 2007/08 only 35 % of smallholders have become
fertiliser users
Yield improvements among fertiliser users is greatest
Yi ld i f ili i
among smaller land holding categories
Generally, maize yield strongly associated with rainfall
Generally maize yield strongly associated with rainfall
both amount and timing
15. Potential Market:
Urban Food Consumption Patterns
U b F dC ti P tt
Overall the combined importance of meat,
eggs, fish & dairy has surpassed the role of
eggs fish & dairy has surpassed the role of
cereals/staples.
For poorest, cereals still dominate
F t l till d i t
Vegetables important group, especially for
poorest
Poultry & eggs have become very important
& dominate the meats group outside Lusaka
16. Potential Market:
Urban Food Consumption Patterns
Among staples, maize still dominates for lower
income consumers, but wheat has become very
important for all urban consumers.
In Lusaka, wheat products dominate among staples
except for the lowest expenditure groups
Cassava important in Mansa & Kasama, esp. among
low expenditure quintile of consumers
Poultry & eggs have become very important &
dominate the meats group outside Lusaka