Smallholder Farmers' Marketing Choices

Based on field research carried out in Burkina Faso and Rwanda, this paper provides an analysis of what drives smallholder farmers when deciding about when, where and how to market their produce. Using data from interviews with WFP staff as well as mini-surveys and focus group discussions with farmers' organization leaders and members, the paper outlines the ways in which different types of smallholder farmers use different marketing channels at different moments to mitigate risks, cope with challenges and meet the needs of their household. By outlining factors which may impact farmers' decisions of whether or not to market through their farmers' organizations, the paper also provides recommendations for most effectively supporting pro-smallholder procurement through farmers' organizations.