Market development projects
The Division has the capacity to assist with the planning and design of new markets, whether in rural or urban areas. As outlined in our publications on the topic, the first approach of a project is usually to carry out detailed surveys in order to identify the type of market required and the likely throughput. Such surveys should be fully participatory, with close involvement from the intended users. Following outline agreement on the market and what it should contain in terms of facilities, as well as identification of a suitable site, the next stage is to develop an outline design, working closely with government or municipal architects. Once agreement has been reached a final design is prepared. In recent years projects like this have been carried out in, for example, Albania, Bhutan, Palau, Trinidad and Tobago and Vanuatu. Broader studies, to develop a master plan for an entire urban area can be conducted. FAO has done this in Kathmandu, Nepal and is planning a similar exercise in Maputo, Mozambique. Also in Kathmandu, support was provided to training the management of a new wholesale market.
Market information development
The Division has carried out many projects to assist governments to establish market information services (MIS), following the approach adopted in our publications on the topic. Such projects usually involve a detailed assessment of existing marketing channels and of the needs of farmers, traders and other actors in those channels for information that they can use commercially. The next stage is to investigate the scope for market information to be disseminated so that farmers, in particular, can access it. Radio, television, cell phone, even the Internet, can be used. However, it is important not to get carried away by the possibilities offered by modern technology. The success or failure of an MIS depends on the quality and accuracy of the market information being provided. FAO projects devote considerable time to ensuring that staff are fully trained in collecting information. Staff are also trainined in data processing using the FAO-AgriMarket software programme. In recent years MIS projects have been implemented in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Grenada, Laos, Lesotho, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Pakistan.
Marketing training
FAO has developed a wide range of marketing training materials for both university level courses and for use by field extension officers, NGO staff and farmer leaders. These are often used as the basis for training programmes tailored to local needs, which are developed in field projects. Where relevant adaptation of FAO publications and translation into local languages is carried out. In turn, lessons learned from the field projects are used to update and improve our generic training materials. Recent projects have involved training extension staff in Bangladesh, Lesotho, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of South Africa and Zambia. Emphasis is placed on participatory training of trainers.
Marketing policy
The Division stresses the importance of getting policy right if agricultural marketing is to develop successfully. Emphasis is on enabling governments to create the conditions in which the private sector can function efficiently and profitably. Recent projects have included a grain marketing policy project for southern Africa and a project with Mozambique 's Ministry of Commerce, which addressed both trade and domestic marketing policy issues.
For information about project support for FAO, Please contact your local FAO representative or write to
AGS-registry@fao.org |
