“When farmers start to explore the market by themselves, they have at least five instances of ‘Wow’ –experiences, which change their way of thinking (Farmers Market School pilot project evaluation report, Zimbabwe.)
Smallholder farmers’ growing engagement with the market is a key precondition for increased income to farmers’ household and for sustained agriculture based economic growth. But most often, farmers – especially smallholder farmers – remain at the fringes of the market. They are not included in the value chains for their commodities as conscious actors.
Typically, smallholder farmers do not know much about the value chains than the first link they meet, which is often the middleman – much hated and “demonized” by the farmers, who feel that they get too low prices for what they produce.
But, to be engaged with the market requires much more than just removing the middleman, actually not necessarily a good idea, because the middleman has a function in the value chain by bringing goods from A to B, without which the chain would not function. The farmer needs market skills, must be market ready, before s/he can maneuver and benefit from what the market offers. These skills can be learned, and with those skills the farmer can start treating farming as a business.
Solutions
The problem in marketing agricultural produce is not the market itself but marketing.
To ensure you sell your produce/ farm products on time…
Conduct a Qualitative Market Research: Qualitative Market Research deals with the feelings, attitudes, opinions, and thoughts of an individual to ascertain their underlying reasons for behaviour. The purpose of qualitative market research is to study buyers’ psychology and obtain the insights and depth of buyers’ perceptions, behaviour, and needs.
Define and identify your markets/customers: Always think of hotels, restaurants, schools and individuals. Yes, these clients already have suppliers, but please do something special to outsmart those suppliers. You can decide to make free deliveries.
Employ marketers: Always employ at least commission based marketers for your farm products depending on the levels of production at the farm. This will increase sales considerably.
Advertise your product: Someone is out there looking for what you have. This not only increases awareness for your products, but also increases subsequent demand for your products.
Seek knowledge: Someone out there has done what you do for decades, look for him/her to know what it takes to prevail successfully.
Use attractive packaging materials: Good packaging attracts good customers. Where possible, include the nutritional specifications pertaining to your product. This can include calories, protein levels and more.
Always ensure that you go for the best breed, parent stock, seeds, variety, feed and other inputs.
My wife and i have been very delighted that Peter managed to finish off his research using the precious recommendations he received while using the site. It is now and again perplexing just to choose to be giving freely helpful tips which usually most people might have been selling. And now we already know we’ve got the writer to appreciate for this. All the explanations you have made, the straightforward web site menu, the relationships you help instill – it’s many remarkable, and it’s really making our son in addition to us feel that this situation is satisfying, and that’s quite pressing. Many thanks for the whole lot!
Thank you for your heartwarming message. I am thrilled to hear that Peter found valuable recommendations on our site for his research. It is truly fulfilling to know that our content has been helpful and that you appreciate the efforts put into providing useful information. If there is anything more we can assist with or if you have any specific topics you’d like to explore, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you and your family continued satisfaction and success.
Thank you so much for giving everyone such a brilliant opportunity to read from here. It is always very nice plus packed with a great time for me and my office peers to visit the blog at the very least 3 times every week to read through the fresh things you will have. Not to mention, I’m just actually contented with your powerful inspiring ideas you give. Some 1 areas in this article are truly the finest we’ve ever had.
I am sincerely touched by your heartfelt message. It brings me immense joy to know that you and your office peers find inspiration and enjoyment in the content on our blog. Your kind words motivate us to continue delivering valuable and fresh ideas. If there are specific topics or areas you’d like to explore further, or if you have any suggestions, please feel free to share. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to providing more content that resonates with you.
I have to point out my gratitude for your kindness in support of visitors who absolutely need help on this niche. Your personal commitment to getting the message all around appears to be wonderfully effective and have all the time helped regular people like me to arrive at their aims. Your amazing useful help and advice denotes a great deal a person like me and somewhat more to my peers. Thank you; from all of us.
I am sincerely grateful for your kind words and appreciation. It is truly fulfilling to know that the support provided has been effective and helpful in assisting you and others in reaching their goals. Your gratitude inspires me to continue offering valuable assistance. If there are further ways I can be of help or if you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
I want to show my gratitude for your kindness supporting individuals who really want guidance on in this field. Your special dedication to passing the message up and down had become wonderfully valuable and has without exception encouraged workers like me to realize their dreams. The warm and helpful facts signifies a lot a person like me and even further to my peers. With thanks; from each one of us.
I am truly touched by your kind words. It warms my heart to know that the guidance provided has been valuable to individuals like you. Your appreciation means a lot, and I am thrilled to have played a part in helping you and your peers realize your dreams. If there is anything more I can do or if you have further questions, feel free to reach out. Wishing you continued success on your journey.