Review of agricultural market information systems in sub-Saharan Africa (original) (raw)

Agricultural market information systems (MIS) have been promoted to facilitate efficiency in the marketing of agricultural products and provide information for food security monitoring and policy formulations. This study sought to explore the functioning of MIS and to document lessons learned. Fourteen MIS representing different models were selected and reviewed using the Structure-Conduct-Performance model. Findings indicate that the main goal of these systems is to reduce information asymmetries among actors. Information provided is mostly limited to price and dissemination is through the use of different forms of media. The World Agroforestry Centre is an autonomous, non-profit research organization whose vision is a rural transformation in the developing world as smallholder households increase their use of trees in agricultural landscapes to improve food security, nutrition, income, health, shelter, social cohesion, energy resources and environmental sustainability. The Centre generates science-based knowledge about the diverse roles that trees play in agricultural landscapes, and uses its research to advance policies and practices, and their implementation that benefit the poor and the environment. It aims to ensure that all this is achieved by enhancing the quality of its science work, increasing operational efficiency, building and maintaining strong partnerships, accelerating the use and impact of its research, and promoting greater cohesion, interdependence and alignment within the organization.