Our work on smallholders and small family farms is based on the premise that the extent to which they are able to participate in agricultural input and output markets, and the functionality of those markets, is a key determinant of their willingness and ability to increase marketable surpluses.

We aim to improve knowledge on patterns and determinants of market participation and the constraints faced by different categories of smallholder producers in accessing alternative market outlets. This informs the design of policy interventions and institutional improvements to support inclusive market and value chain development. FAO supports national and regional organizations in appreciating the importance of smallholder market participation and the approaches to enhancing participation, with particular attention to the role of public-private partnerships and producer associations and cooperatives.