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Contract farming has recently risen to prominence in the development literature because of the potential benefits that may result from sound contractual practices in agricultural production. This paper will first highlight examples to show the range of forms that the legal framework governing contract farming may take (II). Section III will [...]

Over the last few years, there has been growing interest in bioenergy, due in part to its potential for rural development and climate change mitigation, and as an energy alternative given the high price of oil. At the same time, concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of bioenergy have also [...]

Developed with inputs from experts and practitioners, the publication presents a set of principles that are conducive to responsible contract farming. It is intended to serve as guidance for farmers and buyers engaged in contractual relationships, thus promoting good business practices and maintaining an atmosphere of trust and respect that [...]

Recent years have witnessed a renewed interest in agricultural investment. In many cases, this has translated into large-scale acquisitions of farmland in lower- and middle-income countries. Partly as a result of sustained media attention, these acquisitions have triggered lively if polarised debates about “land grabbing”. Less attention has been paid, [...]

Over the last two decades, structural transformation in the agricultural sector of developing countries has seen the spread of contract farming in the production and marketing of agricultural products in general and of livestock products in particular. The main objective of this literature review is to determine the extent to [...]

The interest in contract farming as a mechanism to coordinate linkages between farmers and agribusiness firms has increased considerably in the recent past. This paper reviews the changes in agri-food systems that are leading to tighter coordination of supply chains and discusses the theoretical basis for contract farming as a [...]

The purpose of this guide is not to replicate past socio-economic studies on the subject of contract farming. Rather, the aim is to provide advice: first, to management of existing contract farming companies on how to improve their operations; second, to companies that are considering starting such ventures on the [...]

A travers une analyse de la littérature universitaire, institutionnelle et technique, et de cas d’agriculture contractuelle documentés, cette étude propose d’apporter des réponses concrètes aux questions fréquemment posées sur cette pratique : les petits exploitants en sont-ils exclus ? Ceux qui y participent affichent-ils des revenus bien supérieurs à ceux [...]

There is uncertainty and no small controversy surrounding the potential impacts of commercial agricultural developments that are being proposed for sub-Saharan Africa by domestic governments and foreign investors. Much of the debate concerns how Africa’s rural poor could be affected. One response is to look back and review what the outcomes have been from earlier such developments. [...]