This report begins with a review of the literature relevant for this study. First, it looks at the relation of smallholder development to increased incomes, reduced poverty and improved food security and nutrition. It reviews debates about the current relatively low engagement of many small farmers in Africa with markets, above all with those for inputs and finance. After that it examines the recent literature on experiences of trying to improve the links between smallholders and markets.
This review then forms the basis for a three-part framework to organise thinking about links, drawing on the material from the cases. Questions about the degree of social inclusiveness and gender aspects are addressed.
Finally, the conclusions restate key points, discuss social inclusion, set out what may be scaled up and look at the case for public subsidy of efforts to
