Markets and services
This research theme focuses in an inclusive way on the developmental roles of markets and the political, infrastructure, and institutional constraints on access to public services by the rural and urban poor.
Access to markets is a major precondition for farmers and rural landless people to overcome subsistence and to enhance their individual economic situation, making them more resilient to fluctuating boundary conditions as induced by global and national changes, for instance under international trade and investment arrangements and related regulatory regimes.
The development of markets is partly related to the expansion of public services, as the latter often serve as a precondition for people to participate in markets. Among public services, particular attention is given to information, education, social transfers, insurance, and health systems.
Farmers in northern Ethiopia. Access to markets is a major precondition for farmers and rural landless people to overcome subsistence.
Booths for mobile phone calls in Uganda. The expansion of public services is key for the development of markets.
Market place in southern Ethiopia. With rapidly rising population numbers, the diversification of income and employment sources in rural Africa – also beyond the agricultural sector – will likely continue in the coming years and decades.
ZEF Projects related to "Markets and services"
AFS-TRP - Agrifood Systems-Transformative Research and Policy Guidance
DAIV - Dynamics of agricultural innovation in Vietnam
Food system changes for healthy and sustainable diets in China
HealthyDiets4Africa – Combating malnutrition in Africa through diversification of the food system
Job Futures: Livelihood effects, digital innovations, and household dynamics in Africa (part of SFB 228 Future Rural Africa)
Malabo Montpellier Panel