Key Questions on Partner Qualities : Smallholders

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Why Buyer-Seller Linkages are Needed

Identifying Market Opportunities

Selecting Suitable Enterprises

Selecting Suitable Locations

Selecting Linkage Partners

Specifying the Partners' Roles

Forming and Managing Producer Groups

Designing Buyer-Seller Contracts

Designing Product Pricing Systems

Performance Monitoring and Recording

Non-Quantifiable Outcomes

Alternative Linkage Models

KEY QUESTIONS ON PARTNER QUALITIES : SMALLHOLDERS

1.	Do the interested smallholders have enough spare land and labour to take up the new enterprise without jeopardizing existing activities? Considerations
2.	Are the smallholders aware of the risks of the new enterprise as well as the benefits? Considerations
3.	Is the market opportunity open to less wealthy smallholders, including female-headed households? Considerations
4.	Do the smallholders have a group organization and leadership though which services can be channelled? Considerations

Related Information : Key questions on exporters as partners and intermediaries as partners.

CONSIDERATIONS

1.	Do the interested smallholders have enough spare land and labour to take up the new enterprise without jeopardizing existing activities? Considerations If smallholders have to switch land resources from other essential activities, interest in the new enterprise is less likely to be sustained.
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2.	Are the smallholders aware of the risks of the new enterprise as well as the benefits? Considerations Smallholders must have a full picture of what they are embarking on before they take on a new activity. The risks as well as the benefits must be communicated to both female and male members of the smallholder household.
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3.	Is the market opportunity open to less wealthy smallholders, including female-headed households? Considerations It is desirable to spread the benefits, both for reasons of equity and also because poorer households, if helped to start, often become the most enthusiastic and dependable partners.
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4.	Do the smallholders have a group organization and leadership though which services can be channelled? Considerations A representative organization is essential for reducing the costs of dealing individually with many small growers.
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Natural Resources Institute 2003