FAO.org

Market information can play an extremely important role in promoting agricultural development, especially among small-scale producers. Sound market information can help to enhance transparency, competitiveness and the more equitable sharing of benefits among key players in the marketing system. An effective Market Information System or Service (MIS) can increase competitiveness, reduce information asymmetries and improve market efficiency. This Literature Review seeks to review all features relating to MIS development, with a particular focus on information on market prices and on the use of new technologies for price data collection and dissemination. It aims to identify the majority of the relevant publications on the topic. The impact of MIS and the important aspects to be taken into account when designing an MIS are reviewed. In addition, data collection and dissemination are discussed, particularly in light of the opportunities arising from recent developments in Information and Communication Technology.