Fresh Perspectives Issue 25. Linking smallholders to high-value crop markets: how does the group approach work?

Abstract

GlobalGAP certification involves investment not only in human capital - farmer training - but also in infrastructure, such as grading sheds and pesticide stores, and changes in production inputs, such as switching to specific approved pesticides. The initial investments required for certification are non divisible; however, by splitting costs across a group of farmers, the initial investment cost per farmer can be reduced. This paper tries to answer the following questions: i) how can ‘successful’ be defined in the context of commercial smallholders? ii) what factors characterise successful smallholder groups? and iii) what is the comparative advantage of smallholder production from the exporters’ perspective? Answers to these questions are discussed in the wider context of enabling policies in Kenya.

Citation

International Institute for Environment and Development, London, UK, 2 pp.

Fresh Perspectives Issue 25. Linking smallholders to high-value crop markets: how does the group approach work?

Published 1 January 2008