Agroecological Markets and Business Development

Agroecological marketing covers the services involved in moving an agricultural product from the farm to the consumer.  These services involve the planning, organizing, directing and handling of agricultural produce in such a way as to satisfy farmers, intermediaries and consumers. Numerous interconnected activities are involved in doing this, such as planning production, growing and harvesting, grading, packing and packaging, transport, storage, value addition, provision of market information, distribution, advertising and sale. Effectively, the term encompasses the entire range of supply chain operations for agricultural products, whether conducted through ad hoc sales or a chain, such as one involving farmers. Efforts to develop agricultural marketing have tended to concentrate on infrastructure development; information provision; training of farmers and traders in marketing and post-harvest issues; and support to the development of an appropriate policy environment. In the past, efforts were made to develop government-run marketing bodies but these have become less prominent over the years.

During this period 2022-2026, PELUM and partners will focus on supporting farming communities to access innovative solutions, including financing, business development services and access to markets. These activities will provide incentives for farming communities to adhere to voluntary production standards, while creating employment opportunities, especially for women and youth, and enhancing incomes.