Research Theme: Smallholder Access to Markets

With the globalization of markets, the role of small producers has changed dramatically in recent years. While there are new opportunities in the spread of high value exports and specialty cash crops, many small and medium-sized farmers are having trouble meeting new quality standards, getting integrated into new distribution systems, and finding ways to tap in to global markets. However this means that they are missing out on higher return crops, and are excluded from growth sectors. AMA researchers are looking for ways to help small farmers be a part of the increasingly global marketplace by investigating new contracting mechanisms, the role of producer organizations, the impact of participating in modernizing value chains, and opportunities in specialty markets including fair trade products. In order for globalization to have a positive effect on households at all levels, traditional small producers need to find ways to integrate themselves into new markets. Our research aims to generate practical business and policy strategies to help make this possible.

Projects

• Access to Modernizing Value Chains by Small Farmers in Indonesia and Nicaragua
• Contracting Out of Poverty in Peru: Some Experimental Approaches
• Enhancing Smallholder Competitiveness in the Face of Globalization (Guatemala)

Publications

• coming soon

Links

• coming soon