This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID’s 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Summary for Project titles: R8286: Impact of production and marketing of freshwater aquatic products on rural livelihoods and R8287: Resource utilisation, market development and poverty targetting issues associated with emerging aquaculture in urban and peri-urban zones in sub-Saharan Africa.
Market information systems, often based on simple mobile phone and local-centre web access, help poorer groups make smarter decisions. Although market intelligence systems are widespread globally, they mostly serve large companies in developed countries. Flexible local networks connecting producers, traders, NGOs, the public sector and consumers help them quickly find and
use the information they need. Artisanal fishers have rapidly caught on to using mobile phones to find out where they can get the best prices for their catch. ‘One Stop Shops’ in Bangladesh, and similar networks in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, also offer fishers cheap local access to market information. These simple systems could have a major impact, particularly in countries where aquaculture is booming.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts on Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (12 pp.) taken from the CD.