Providing farmers with up-to-date marketing information
The Roots and Tubers Market-Driven Development Programme (PNDRT) and the Directorate of Investigation and Agricultural Statistics (DESA) are using modern information and communication technology and rural radio to test methods for providing farmers with up-to-date market information.
In March 2010, 25 new programme investigators received training by the international NGO Open Market Foundation.
The agents collect daily information about market prices and availability, which is then disseminated through rural radio. The programme is also establishing warehouses to support marketing activities.
Ten markets will offer platforms for dialogue between different local actors in the sector, including traders, transporters, producers, and representatives of the Commune, police, and traditional and religious administrative authorities.
The PNDRT also identified market opportunities for 250 micro-enterprises in urban and rural areas. The programme supported a study conducted by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture on opportunities for marketing of seeds and yams. It also held two training courses, facilitated by FAO, on quality management in the production of cassava derivatives.
15 July 2010
