Most methods and tools used to collect data from farming communities and mass markets by development organizations and formal researchers have remained too academic and irrelevant to   the grassroots. For instance, methods and tools used to collect data on crop and livestock assessments continue to be too prescriptive. Such tools have no room for farmers, Read more about Making academic data collection methods suitable for the grassroots[…]

African mass markets are no longer just a source of diverse nutrition and affordable food. Many of them are quietly contributing to health and wellness by creating moments of emotional connection, peace, recovery, and fulfilment for several consumers who now patronize these markets. The increasing demand for natural remedies is also seeing many consumers preferring Read more about How African mass markets are influencing the health and wellness revolution[…]

Once farmers start participating in the market, they no longer remain the same. By talking to other farmers and listening to experiences from other parts of the country, they stop being passive price-takers. They become active co-creators of the marketing experience. Through the mass market, farmers find their voices by exchanging phone numbers and sharing Read more about Mass markets build farmer confidence and transform behaviour[…]

Formal institutions do not have the data required to build African economies The amount and quality of data required to transform African economies cannot be found in statistical agencies, universities, reserve banks or any government institution alone. For agriculture-driven economies, value chains, farmers and mass markets possess the data badly needed for reality checks. To Read more about Formal institutions do not have the data required to build African economies[…]

Mass markets offer new grounds for interpreting African economic realities It is only through working with mass markets that African policy makers and researchers can make informed decisions that support genuine collaboration and learning.  People who don’t understand mass markets assume these fluid institutions are all about buying and selling commodities.  Yet the diversity of Read more about Mass markets offer new grounds for interpreting African economic realities[…]