Market institutions benefiting smallholders in contemporary Meru, Tanzania

Market institutions benefiting smallholders in contemporary Meru, Tanzania

Author: 
Hillbom, Ellen
Publisher: 
Cambridge University Press
Date published: 
2012
Record type: 
Journal Title: 
Journal of Modern African Studies
Source: 
The Journal of Modern African Studies, Vol 50, No. 4, December 2012, pp. 657-679
Abstract: 

Smallholders in developing countries can potentially benefit from access to local, regional, national and international markets as they intermediate between rural and urban demand for agricultural products and smallholder supply. This study investigates how smallholders in Meru, Tanzania make use of the various marketing channels that are available to them, and argues that the variety of potential marketing channels and easily accessible market information enables smallholders to weigh advantages and disadvantages with varying market opportunities and form rational decisions. It presents a case where producers, consumers and traders are the principal agents in building market institutions through what should be characterised as endogenous processes. As these market institutions correspond to smallholders' needs, they may be able to play an important role in the overall process of agricultural development in the area.

Language: 
Country focus: 

CITATION: Hillbom, Ellen. Market institutions benefiting smallholders in contemporary Meru, Tanzania . : Cambridge University Press , 2012. The Journal of Modern African Studies, Vol 50, No. 4, December 2012, pp. 657-679 - Available at: https://library.au.int/market-institutions-benefiting-smallholders-contemporary-meru-tanzania-3