Programme Overview
The Access to Markets programme focuses on reducing barriers between smallholder farmers and rural enterprises on one hand, and structured input and output markets on the other. Through brokerage, platform facilitation, and private-sector engagement, AICC Africa creates the connections that enable farmers to sell at better prices and access quality inputs.
Objectives
- Connect smallholder farmers to structured output markets and reliable buyers
- Improve access to quality agricultural inputs at competitive prices
- Reduce post-harvest losses through improved storage and logistics linkages
- Facilitate private sector investment in smallholder market systems
- Build farmer capacity to negotiate fair prices and meet buyer quality standards
Key Approaches
- Market Brokerage: Linking farmers directly to buyers, reducing intermediary exploitation
- Platform Facilitation: Coordinating multi-stakeholder platforms that align supply and demand
- Private Sector Engagement: Mobilising corporate buyers, processors, and input suppliers
- Capacity Building: Training farmers on quality standards, grading, and negotiation
- Information Systems: Providing market price information to rural farming communities