Introduction

This guide is intended to provide a step-by-step approach to the planning, design and construction of simple rural markets. Whether the market is to be built by national or local government, by donors, by a local community or privately, the assistance of extension departments, planners and rural engineers will be required. Such assistance is likely to include:

identifying marketing problems and needs;
helping with selection of market sites;
planning, implementing and operating effective market improvement activities; and
following up and evaluating the results of the development.

The guide follows the development process from identification of the need for a market through to operation of that market. Although each stage in the process is presented as a separate chapter the stages are not necessarily independent of each other. A diagram of the planning process is shown on pages 2 and 3 (Figure 1) with a brief description of each stage and indications of where findings may be used to modify the work of previous stages. An outline of all stages and steps is shown on page 4.

Figure 1: Outline of work for the planning, design and construction of rural markets

Note: Initial conclusions regarding the need for market improvements (Stage 1) may be altered either after an assessment of market supplies is made (Stage 2) or after detailed consultations with users (Stage 3).

Note: Estimates of space and accommodation (Stage 4), together with the detailed design of buildings that flow from them (Stage 7), may need to be modified after working out the cost of the proposed market (Stage 8).

A step-by-step outline of the planning process

STAGE 1 IDENTIFYING THE NEED FOR RURAL MARKETS	STAGE 5 CHOOSING THE RIGHT SITE	STAGE 8 CHECKING THE MARKET’S VIABILITY
Steps 1.1 Identify market channels in rural areas 1.2 Define responsibility for decision-making 1.3 Review planning considerations 1.4 Identify market improvement options	Steps 5.1 Review suitability of site locations 5.2 Reviewing site features 5.3 Determine if an environmental assessment is needed 5.4 Prepare an impact statement 5.5 Review site options and availability	Steps 8.1 Estimate development costs 8.2 Estimate recurrent costs 8.3 Estimate benefits 8.4 Test financial viability 8.5 Assess the proposals 8.6 Amend the designs
STAGE 2 ASSESSING MARKET TRADING REQUIREMENTS	STAGE 6 PREPARING THE SITE PLAN	STAGE 9 CONSTRUCTING THE MARKET
Steps 2.1 Decide on design information needed 2.2 Assess supply and demand 2.3 Estimate the market’s throughput	Steps 6.1 Gather design data 6.2 Organize land uses 6.3 Plan vehicular access and circulation 6.4 Plan for supplementary uses 6.5 Finalize the site plan	Steps 9.1 Obtain consents and agree on the financing 9.2 Prepare tender documents and tender the works 9.3 Let construction and equipment contracts, supervise construction and monitor implementation 9.4 Confirm practical completion and evaluate the works
STAGE 3 WORKING WITH FARMERS AND TRADERS	STAGE 7 DECIDING ON THE BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED	STAGE 10 OPERATING AND MAINTAINING THE MARKET
Steps 3.1 Consult with the users 3.2 Provide support to the market committee 3.3 Assess user needs	Steps 7.1 Design buildings 7.2 Design infrastructure 7.3 Identify environmental impact mitigation measures 7.4 Decide on market equipment	Steps 10.1 Commission the market 10.2 Agree on space allocation and leases 10.3 Agree on the market fee schedule 10.4 Agree on the market regulations
STAGE 4 IDENTIFYING THE SPACE REQUIRED
Steps 4.1 Estimate sales space requirements 4.2 Identify trading spaces 4.3 Decide on the market’s facilities 4.4 Determine the area needed for the site