Cooperatives for Staple Crop Marketing: Evidence from Ethiopia

摘要: Rural producer organizations, such as farmers' organizations or rural cooperatives, offer a means for smallholder farmers in developing countries to sell their crops commercially. They hold particular promise Sub-Saharan Africa, where small-scale farming is the primary livelihood but commercialization of foodcrops very limited. Using experience smallholders Ethiopia case study, this research monograph identifies benefits small farmers, well conditions under which most successfully promote commercialization. The evidence from indicates that they do increase profits crop sales, beneficiaries not tend be poorest smallholders. Moreover, organization's marketing effectiveness precarious: it can easily diminish if number diversity its members increases provides more nonmarketing services. authors conclude these have role play agricultural development should complemented by other programs directly target farmers. Further, preserved allowing them follow own agendas rather than being encouraged take on activities. assessment presented valuable resource policymakers and researchers concerned with economic poverty reduction Africa.