Better access to markets

Developing approaches for expanding smallholders' access to tree product value chains

The adoption of best practices, innovations and policies by a wide range of partners will result in more participation of poor farmers, women and vulnerable groups in value chains.

Through our research, we are aiming for stronger linkages between smallholders and the private sector, improved policies to support smallholder marketing and enterprises, and more effective farmer organizations. 

Livestock feeding systems and market access
As part of the East African Dairy Development project, the World Agroforestry Centre is working to improve feeding systems of smallholder dairy farmers through introducing improved fodder shrubs, herbaceous legumes and grasses, and promoting feed conservation. Marketing is a key feature of these interventions, and the Centre facilitates the development of seed and nursery enterprises. It also helps farmers link to business development services along the value chain such as feed suppliers and seed companies. The use of volunteer farmer trainers as a dissemination pathway is being tested and the trainers are assisted to develop enterprises for marketing inputs (e.g. seed), products (e.g. fodder) and services (e.g. making silage) which they are demonstrating. The process by which farmer trainers become business service providers is being researched and their effectiveness in disseminating innovations assessed.

For more information see:

• East Africa Dairy Development Project website
• Fodder trees for more milk and income
  An impact case study produced by the UK's Department of International Development (DFID)
• Fodder shrubs: milking success
  A short film which explains how the introduction of low cost, easy to grow fodder trees for cattle feed is boosting milk yields and increasing household incomes by US$30-120 annually. Produced b DFID.
• Lukuyu, B.A.;Kitalyi, A.;Franzel, S.;Duncan, A.;Baltenweck, I.2009 Constraints and options to enhancing production of high quality feeds in dairy production in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. World Agroforestry Centre.
• Franzel, S.;Wambugu, C.;Arimi, H.;Stewart, J.2008 Fodder shrubs for improving livestock productivity and sustainable land management in East Africa. World Agroforestry Centre.