Marketing is one of the biggest challenges for small-scale farmers in developing countries. Many farmers would like to improve their output or the quality of their products, but they need a way to sell their produce and increase profits.
This manual introduces the basic concepts of agricultural markets and marketing. It shows how field agents, extension workers and program managers can help farmers understand these ideas and how to apply them.
What is agricultural marketing?
Supply and demand
Costs, income, prices and profit
Types of markets
Adding value after harvest
Changes in markets
The value chain
Developing marketing strategies
The four Ps of marketing
Entrepreneurial spirit
Each lesson includes guidelines, exercises to do with a group of farmers or with development agents, and quizzes to test your understanding.
This is one manual in a series on SMART Skills—the skills that field agents need to help farmers in developing countries improve their livelihoods. A companion manual describes the steps a group of farmers can follow in marketing a product.
