When interpretation is more important than statistics

While collecting statistics through crop and livestock assessments is necessary, the most important missing link is interpreting and analyzing what is happening to different value chains. Such interpretations and analyses are the domain of crop and livestock specialists not statisticians.  Also important is capturing and analyzing market trends in order to show the return on Read more about When interpretation is more important than statistics[…]

Webs of interdependencies keep African informal economies more resilient

When you see traders in African territorial markets like Mbare in Harare selling Kapenta fish (Matemba), soya chunks, plastic packaging, potatoes and eggs, chances are that those traders don’t own those commodities but have been supplied by a bigger trader on credit. The commodities are co-owned by the trader and the supplier, based on long-term Read more about Webs of interdependencies keep African informal economies more resilient[…]

Headaches and pathways of translating infrastructure into better lives

While infrastructure like road highways and irrigation systems continue to receive much attention, funding and media coverage, it has taken long for most intended beneficiaries to benefit directly from such investments. After investing infrastructure, most development organizations do not think about the sustainability model. The utilization of resources is more critical than just investing in Read more about Headaches and pathways of translating infrastructure into better lives[…]

How African territorial markets are quietly rewriting socio-economic rules

Being self-organized for decades has enabled most African territorial markets to write their own socio-economic rules in ways that are contrary to formal systems that African governments borrowed from colonialism without questioning. For instance, whereas formal business often at 8am and close at 5pm, most African territorial markets operate 24/7 with restocking happening throughout the Read more about How African territorial markets are quietly rewriting socio-economic rules[…]

Transporters as unique knowledge brokers in African markets and food systems

The process of moving food commodities from production areas to markets is rich with unique knowledge which you may not hear from farmers or traders but from transporters. In most value chain studies, transporters are often overlooked as key informants yet they get information from diverse actors and sources such as farmers, traders, other transporters, Read more about Transporters as unique knowledge brokers in African markets and food systems[…]

How colonialists used their language to undermine indigenous food systems

In many African countries, colonialists did not just take the best land for producing their own food and raw materials for their own industries. They went further and used their own language to stigmatize indigenous food so that the young generation of Africans would completely delink themselves from food that is an integral part of Read more about How colonialists used their language to undermine indigenous food systems[…]

Domesticating wild animals and plants can strengthen African food systems

For African countries that are preserving their biodiversity, domesticating wild animals and plants can be a promising avenue for strengthening food systems and creating totally new value chains. That will also liberate African communities from depending on corporate hybrids that are causing several health challenges to many populations. What prevents African countries from producing diverse Read more about Domesticating wild animals and plants can strengthen African food systems[…]

What would inclusive urban planning look like for an agriculture-driven economy

Urban planning in most African cities has not only remained colonial but largely focuses on attracting foreign investors and tourists at the expense of meeting the needs of local citizens. The way commodities move from production areas to urban centres should be an integral component of urban planning. That will enable local authorities to answer Read more about What would inclusive urban planning look like for an agriculture-driven economy[…]

How African territorial markets are redefining post-colonial consumption

Although colonial legacies continue to shape the way Africans produce and consume food, African territorial markets are quietly re-defining post-colonial consumption patterns by positioning agroecology and indigenous food systems. This process is also providing alternatives for heathy-conscious citizens keen to de-link local food systems from Western five course meals. Against all odds such as rapid Read more about How African territorial markets are redefining post-colonial consumption[…]

The underrated value of knowing your customer and knowing your market

There are times when the market is more important than inputs like seed, fertilizer and capital but very few farmers invest in understanding the market and knowing their customers. The situation is worse in African territorial markets where customers are as diverse as the commodities such that knowing your customer may not mean keeping that Read more about The underrated value of knowing your customer and knowing your market[…]