We present here a selection of brief case studies
of ways in which farmers have linked with markets, through
their own efforts and with assistance from others. Not all
can be considered success stories, because in some cases problems
have been encountered, but all illustrate different approaches
to improving farmers' market access. This site is very much
a "work in progress." Comments and additional case studies
would be much appreciated. For more information please see
this page.
Types of linkage
In this limited collection the following broad categories of linkage can be identified:
Farmer-to-trader linkages
Five case studies (from Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Myanmar
and Thailand) illustrate how traders and farmers have developed
markets together, while one from Syria illustrates the role
played by an external organization.
Four studies - from Bangladesh, El Salvador, Indonesia and
the Philippines - illustrate the important role played by
donors and NGOs, while one, from Viet Nam illustrates the
proactive role that traders can play.
Linkages through a leading farmer
Producers in two parts of the Philippines, sell organic produce
and lettuce to Manila, coordinated by leading farmers. In
Chiang Mai, Thailand a vegetable growers' group markets through
their Chairman, who acts as the buyer.
Private company linkages
Of the nine case studies presented here, seven (from Brazil, Ecuador, Ghana, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Thailand and Viet Nam) show how private companies initiated linkages without outside assistance, while in two cases (South Africa and Zambia) donor or NGO support has been essential.
Cooperative linkages
Nine case studies are presented under this category. Three (Argentina, Costa Rica and Guatemala) involve cooperatives who have developed agribusiness ventures with only limited external assistance. Other cooperative ventures (in Brazil, Ghana, Guatemala, El Salvador and Haiti) have benefited to a greater or lesser extent from external assistance, by governments, donors or NGOs. |
