Incorporation of different types of farmers into different coffee markets

Abstract

Many development organizations aim for greater incorporation of farmers into the market; however, global value chain scholars warn that farmers may be adversely incorporated and advise to analyse the terms by which farmers are incorporated. This paper sheds light on the dynamics of value chains by showing how the terms by which farmers are incorporated into the market vary significantly depending on the type of farmer and market. To generate benefits for small farmers’ livelihoods, we urge practitioners to consider the workings of multiple marketing channels and the ways in which farmers of different social classes interact with them.