The issue of inclusiveness
of smallholders in agrifood systems is not only a matter of efficiency of the systems
but is also one of the key questions for the income and welfare of rural populations
in developing countries. It is specifically for these reasons that consideration of
effective institutional mechanisms to enhance the participation of smallholders in
modern markets is at the forefront of FAO’s agenda.Against this backdrop, FAO’s book on contract farming for inclusive market
access is a welcome addition to the body of knowledge on farmer to market linkages
and on the roles of contracts in this regard. The book presents a range of cases
covering different commodities and country contexts, competitively commissioned
from researchers and development professionals worldwide, all of which illustrate the
multifaceted nature of contracting as an agrifood chain coordination mechanism to
promote inclusiveness and efficiency in supply chains.
