Marketing and financing of agriculture and agribusiness in Madagascar

Section I presents background information about the country"s economic performance, recent policy reforms, characteristics of the financial sector, and growth potential. Section II presents the methodological approach and data used in the study. Section III describes characteristics of the agricultural sector, identifying Madagascar"s agricultural zones, the composition of its agricultural output, and the activities of agribusinesses and other sector agents (processors, traders, and middlemen) that have led to the integration, diversification, and modernization of agricultural production. Section IV depicts marketing systems and outlines conditions leading to adoption of a particular system. Section V assesses the financial needs of producers and other agricultural sector agents, examines the role played by marketing arrangements in determining access to finance, and describes the terms and conditions under which credit is obtained. Finally, Section VI looks at issues and constraints that prevent the development of agribusiness and agricultural activities and provides policy recommendations. Includes references. (Author abstract, modified)