Wholesale Markets in African Cities. Diagnosis, Role, Advantages, and Elements for Further Study and Development

Table of Contents

ERIC TOLLENS

FAO
Food Supply and Distribution to Cities
in French-Speaking Africa

FOOD INTO CITIES COLLECTION

AC/05-97 - April 1997 - © FAO - University of Louvain

Table of Contents

Executive summary

The author

Introduction

1. Food marketing systems in African cities

1.1. Categorization by type of food sold

1.1.1. Markets for local staples
1.1.2. Distribution network for imported foods

1.2. Categorization by function

1.2.1. Wholesale markets
1.2.2. Supermarkets, self-service groceries and shops
1.2.3. Retail markets

1.3. Food marketing problems in African cities

1.3.1. Marketing infrastructure
1.3.2. Flow of market information

1.4. Impact of inefficient urban FSDSs

2. Role and benefits of wholesale markets

2.1. Wholesale markets, price discovery and market integration
2.2. Benefits derived from the physical functions of wholesale markets
2.3. Economic benefits of wholesale markets
2.4. The challenge in promoting wholesale markets in Africa
2.5. Economic development and the role of wholesale markets

3. Problems in African wholesale markets and arguments against modernization

3.1. Poor locations of wholesale markets
3.2. Technical and infrastructure problems
3.3. Competence and financial capacity of operators
3.4. Arguments against promoting wholesale markets in Africa

4. State role in establishment, management and control of wholesale markets

4.1. Public good characteristics of wholesale markets
4.2. Management of wholesale markets

5. Conclusions and areas for further research

5.1. Conclusions
5.2. Areas for further research

5.2.1. Macro/micro-economic studies
5.2.2. Technical issues
5.2.3. Organizational/legal issues

Bibliography