Wholesale Markets in African Cities. Diagnosis, Role, Advantages, and Elements for further Study and Development
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The paper discusses the importance, potential and limitations of wholesale markets in the supply and distribution of food in African cities. A brief overview of food marketing systems shows that most major African cities lack specialized and efficient wholesale markets, even though their function is a critical factor in the effectiveness of any food marketing system. In general urban food markets in Africa are characterized by inadequate marketing infrastructure leading to congestion and the ove rflow of traders onto streets and pavements, inefficient storage, handling and packaging of produce resulting in excessive waste (through spoilage), poor produce quality and rather high distribution costs. Another common problem in African food marketing systems is information asymmetry between traders and producers, which weakens the bargaining position of the producers and exposes them to considerable price uncertainty. The underdevelopment of the wholesale sector is in part a consequence of t hese problems and also accentuates inefficiency in food marketing.