admin
Mangaliso Lawrence Kabulika
AFRICAN mass markets have emerged as powerful vehicles of economic empowerment for farmers, adding value and competition among mainstream products and promoting knowledge co-creation, which underscores their transformative impact on farmers’ agricultural practices.
Knowledge Transfer Africa (KTA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Charles Dhewa recently observed that African mass markets embraced food diversity and provided the platform for marginalised commodities to gain value and compete with mainstream products.
“The inclusivity of African markets allows farmers to have a say in the marketing process, enabling them to sell their produce to various buyers instead of being solely dependent on marketing institutions.
“This freedom of choice empowers farmers by granting them greater control over their own economic destinies. African mass markets are more adept at bringing diversity to farmers than formal markets that are controlled by the elite. In mass markets, commodities that are considered marginal get some value and can compete with any other commodity. The same does not happen in formal markets like supermarkets.”
By participating in mass markets, farmers not only gain economic benefits but also have the opportunity to learn from one another.
“In mass markets, farmers have a choice to sell to different buyers rather than being dictated to by marketing institutions. They can also learn from other farmers in ways that foster knowledge co-creation, which is another powerful source of dignity as they actively contribute to their own growth and that of their communities,” said Dr Dhewa.
He also added that the main challenge bedevilling the markets was lack of recognition, support and protection in the fiscus despite their being a major driver of employment directly and indirectly.
Many value chain actors such as transporters also benefit from the market, which means it fuels the growth of the transport sector.
“Public transport plays a key role in moving agricultural commodities in most African countries and this means long distance buses are part of the inclusive economy linked to the markets. Investing in infrastructure like rural roads could therefore assist in bringing dignity to African agriculture.
“Although prices of commodities are critical, big external issues are poor roads in marginalised areas. Government must develop supply corridors from farms to markets,” Dr Dhewa further commented.
African mass food markets, also known as territorial markets, are major sources of food for the majority of people in African capital cities.
These markets use indigenous knowledge to meet preferences of the majority of farmers, traders and consumers in terms of food sources and income.
They represent local people’s shared identity and values built organically through trust and relationships.
Some of the major mass markets in Harare include Mbare Musika, Chikwanha, Lusaka, Hatcliffe. There are also such markets in Bindura, Kwekwe, Bulawayo, Masvingo and Kadoma to name a few.
Online Reporter