To what extent can a few beneficiaries transform a whole community?
To what extent can a few beneficiaries transform a whole community? Due to limited resources, among other reasons, development interventions often work with a few…
Empowering communities to appreciate and conduct research
If developing countries are going to only recognize and respect research results from formal research institutes and universities, they will continue excluding diverse voices and…
How consumers use their buying patterns to signal priorities
As buying patterns signify ordinary people’s priorities, developing countries should invest more in finding pockets of opportunity from micro-markets than pursuing mega deals. In most…
Who really sets prices in the open market?
No matter how many times this question is answered, it continues to be asked again and again. One of the reasons is that the answer…
How capital determines the structure of agriculture and food systems in Africa
How capital determines the structure of agriculture and food systems in Africa Although finance will not solve all challenges facing developing countries, the structure of…
Small consistent incomes are better than random high yields
Rural households that receive regular small incomes tend to have a better standard of living than those earning a once-off payment from a single commodity…
Various shades of shrinkage and identity theft in the market
Every time farmers inquire about prices of commodities in the market they are often looking for the highest price. However, unless there are serious shortages,…
To sell or not – decision making challenges in unstable economic environments
A majority of African farmers tend to make decisions based on their experiences, expectations and fears, especially in an unstable economic environment and changing climate.…
How marketing systems in developing countries penalize poor farmers
Whether it is potato production in the highlands of Rwanda, cassava production in Northern Mozambique or sweet potato production in Gokwe South district of Zimbabwe,…
Extent to which inherited knowledge systems are constraining African Imaginations
The introduction of exotic crops, fruits and livestock into Africa was initially guided and informed by the way indigenous crops, livestock and fruits performed in…