Módulo 10: El papel de la extensión en el apoyo a las cadenas de valor Parte 1, teoría


The purpose of this module is to help extension agents, who are new to working with markets, understand the basic components of marketing value chains and the way in which extension agents can work with farmers and other key chain actors to target market opportunities and to develop an action plan that farmers can use to engage with markets successfully.

In the theoretical part of the module the focus is on the importance of agricultural marketing for farmers, the analysis of the agricultural market and the value chain, as well as market linkage methods.

Module outcomes

After completing this module, you will be able to:

  1. Explain why agricultural marketing is important for farmers;
  2. Explain the agricultural market, the value chain and the key actors in the value chain;
  3. Assess market linkage methods; and
  4. Analyse markets and value chains.

What to expect

Study units
Name Total videos Total assessments
Study unit 1: The agricultural market, value chain and key actors 3 8
Study unit 2: Market linkage methods 2 3
Study unit 3: Analysing markets and value chains 1 3

Click on the button below to start Module 10 Part 1:

Introduction

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

  • Explain the concepts of agricultural marketing, the market and the value chain;
  • Explain the concepts of supply and demand, as well as their effect on the market;
  • Identify the different types of formal and informal markets in the agricultural value chain;
  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages involved in the different types of agricultural markets;
  • Identify the key actors in a value chain;
  • Explain the role of each key actor in a value chain;
  • Identify key business development service providers in the agricultural market;
  • Explain the role of business development services in the agricultural market;
  • Describe the role of key regulators in the agricultural value chain; and
  • Identify the most important food issues and standards in the agricultural market.

Study unit overview

The purpose of this study unit is to familiarise you with the key concepts in agricultural extension services, including agricultural marketing, the agricultural market, the value chain in the agricultural market and the key actors involved in the agricultural value chain.

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

  • Introduction
  • Session 1.1: Agricultural marketing, the market and the value chain
  • Session 1.2: Agricultural market types
  • Session 1.3: The core actors in the agricultural value chain
  • Session 1.4: Business development services in the agricultural value chain
  • Session 1.5: Key regulators in the agricultural value chain
  • Session 1.6: Types of farmers and extension agents in agricultural value chains
  • Conclusion

Click on the button below to start the lesson for Study Unit 1:

Study Unit 1

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

  • Report on the changing conditions in and roles of rural communities;
  • Explain different marketing strategies and approaches commonly used by smallholder farmers in rural areas;
  • Identify the ways in which extension agents can help farmers gain a better understanding of their market options;
  • Define the basic concepts involved in value chains and market linkage; and
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the use of value chain methods for market linkage.

Study unit overview

One of the key responsibilities of extension agents is to help smallholder farmers to expand their productivity, extend their marketing options and improve their physical infrastructure. In order to do so, extension agents have to support farmers in identifying:

  • The best practices to improve production for key crops; and
  • Marketing opportunities.

One of the most important tools that can be used in supporting smallholder farmers is market linkage, which will be explored in this study unit.

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

  • Introduction
  • Session 2.1: Changing rural communities and marketing strategies
  • Session 2.2: Value chains and market linkage
  • Conclusion

Click on the button below to start the lesson for Study Unit 2:

Study Unit 2

Study unit outcomes

After completing this study unit, you should be able to:

  • Define the type, scale and level of the market analysis; and
  • Outline the nature and use of the most important toolkits and approaches to value chain development.

Study unit overview

This study unit focuses on the analysis of the market. The scale and level of the market analysis will be addressed, as well as the use of different toolkits and approaches to value chain development.

This study unit is divided into the following sections:

  • Introduction
  • Session 3.1: Defining the type, scale and level of the market analysis
  • Session 3.2: Extension toolkits for value chain development
  • Conclusion

Click on the button below to start the lesson for Study Unit 3:

Study Unit 3