Are structured value chains possible or necessary? some highlights from Ethiopian and Kenyan maize and legume markets

Abstract

A core pillar of sustainable agricultural intensification is the farm level financial viability of such intensification. This will (almost surely) be mediated by well-functioning agricultural markets and value chains. This brief highlights four important principles for policy on value chain and for further research. The near absence of key elements of structured value chains in Ethiopian and Kenyan maize and legume markets imply limited profitable business opportunities in these more formalized market activities.