Getting the policy right is critical to the success of agricultural marketing reforms. Too often, the ability of the private sector to develop and to take over activities previously carried out by government bodies is constrained by poor and often conflicting policy, or by good policy which is ineffectively implemented. Policy-related publications include:

Partnerships between governments and the private sector to overcome food shortages

A workshop on this topic was held in South Africa on March 23 and 24, 2006, with participation from the private sector, governments, marketing boards and international organizations from Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The workshop aimed to explore the constraints faced by the private sector in supplying commercial demand when countries require imports. Presentations made at the workshop can be downloaded.

Addressing Marketing and Processing Constraints that inhibit Agrifood Exports

Constraints in the domestic supply chains of many countries, along with weak marketing support and trade facilitation services, have prevented them from exploiting the opportunities provided by the Agreement on Agriculture and other agreements to improve market access. The aim of this new guide is to inform policy analysts on issues that should be considered while developing policies and measures to overcome the main constraints that prevent their countries from fully exploiting their agrifood export potential. Copies can also be ordered at US$14 from FAO's Publications Section.

Associations of Market Traders

Associations of agricultural traders have the potential to both facilitate the work of their members and to achieve greater efficiency in the marketing chain. They can increase the possibility that the vital role traders play in food marketing and distribution is recognised and can assist in improving the infrastructural and regulatory framework under which trading takes place.

Financing agricultural marketing - The Asian experience

This paper reports on a study of how traders of grains and horticultural produce in Asia finance their activities and how they use that finance. There are many vertical financial linkages within marketing systems. These pivot around millers in the case of staples and wholesalers in the case of horticultural produce.

Export crop liberalization in Africa - A review

This publication reviews approaches to and experiences with export crop liberalization in Africa. The problems encountered are identified and ways of overcoming them are considered. It should be of particular interest to policy-makers in Africa, to agencies which have promoted the policy changes and to the private sector.