From agro dealer to farm gate The role of agro dealers in farmer support and agricultural development in Africa

摘要

Much has been achieved by governments in partnership with private sector and not-for-proflt organizations such as AFAP,AGRA,AGRIFOP,IFDC and USAID in addressing agro dealers as a catalyst for agricultural growth in Africa.However,the involvement of the agro dealer in development discussions in Southern Africa,East Africa and West Africa has been lacking and this needs to improve.Most agro dealers in rural areas and mid-towns predominantly sell informally from small(30 square metres)make-shift stalls to larger warehouses(200 square metres).These are mainly operated by middle-aged men(60%)and women(40%).The youth is yet to enter into the agribusiness model of agro dealers,but this is expected to change.