Efficient and reliable markets, of course, can also help meet these needs. In high value market chains, supermarkets, agro-processors and exporting firms often enter into contract arrangements with farmers and provide them with all their needed inputs and credit in return for an assured output. But established markets for staple food crops are often missing, or under-developed, so this support is absent. AGRA and other organisations are working hard to fill the gap. The lack of effective markets also means small-holder farmers can not rely on disposing of their crops at competitive and stable prices. Fixing the market chains for food staples must be one of the highest priorities for Africa’s green revolution. Making markets work better for smallholder farmers also means encouraging regional trade which is now held back by poor infrastructure and high transport costs.
Huku akinukuu maneno ya Balozi wa Ujerumani, Bw. Guido Hertz, ambaye aliwahi kuhojiwa na gazeti moja nchini na kuonesha mshangao juu ya umaskini uliokithiri wa Watanzania pamoja na utajiri wa raslimali zilizopo, akisema 'ni vigumu kuelewa wala kuielezea hali hii,' Mzee Msuya aliongeza; 'Tuna kila kitu kinachohitajika...kuna haja ya kujitazama upya, tuna raslimali za kila aina zikiwemo za asili, are we putting them on the best use (tunazitumia inavyostahili?)...tuna gesi ya asili, tuna akiba ya kutosha ya dhahabu, utalii pia...kuna hili ka kilimo kwanza, serikali imeshatamka ingawa kwa kuchelewa kidogo. 'Lakini nalo hatujalianza vizuri (la kilimo kwanza) kwa sababu hiyo hiyo ya kutopanga na kukosa vipaumbele...viwanda ni muhimu, suala la umeme ni critical (tatizo sugu) sasa lakini kuna possibilities (uwezekano) wa kugeuza coal (makaa ya mawe), umeme wa upepo na ule wa Rufiji ambao unazidi hata mahitaji yetu,' alisema na kuongeza.