How can the poor benefit from the growing markets for high value agricultural products?

Abstract

This paper identifies critical areas for trade and capital market that can facilitate integration of small-scale farmers in markets for high-value agriculture (HVA) such as non-timber forest products (NTFPs). There has been a shift in trade and agriculture and HVA products have been increasing in demand. Nearly 80 percent of the population in developing countries use NTFPs for nutritional, health, or income generation, which is particularly important for women. The majority of women and the poor in rural areas are small-scale farmers, who are excluded based on ownership of land, education, technical knowledge, mobility, trading opportunities, and access to credit. These factors mean inability to meet standards for markets. Still, women play a significant role in horticulture, fruits and vegetables, poultry and livestock, post harvest fishery, processing and trading. The paper calls for improved research and the development of policies to integrate small-farmers in local, regional and global markets.