RRA Learning Series 3.0 - Optimizing Grain Aggregation and Trade

"Optimizing Grain Aggregation and Trade: A Strengthened Grain System for Market and Household Resilience"

Grain aggregation and trade in the Northeast continues to grapple with several challenges. These challenges include low and scattered grain volumes, restricted access, standardization and elevated transaction costs for buyers and sellers. These challenges limits market access since buyers typically prefer larger quantities of high-quality grain and places smallholder farmers at a disadvantaged bargaining position, rendering them vulnerable to exploitation by intermediaries. An effective grain aggregation and trade transaction is important to serve as a vital source of income for farming households and plays a significant role in determining the commercial viability of grain markets.

To gain insight into how we are intervening in grain aggregation and trade, we ask: What behaviors have we triggered in optimizing large volume of grain trade? How has collaboration among market players helped to strengthen the grain supply chain system? What impact does a strengthened and resilient grain market play on the livelihoods of smallholder farmer households? How should market facilitators approach grain aggregation and trade intervention?

In this learning series, Muhammed Abubakar and Moses Nansel spoke on strategic approaches, and lessons learned in building a strengthened grain aggregation and trade system that impact household resilience.