ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an analysis of the constraints and challenges that limit agricultural transformation of small rural markets in the Southern African region. While agriculture is still the driver of many of the economies in the region, growth in this sector, especially emanating from rural markets, has been limited. The key factors that drive transformation in small rural markets can be classified into two broad categories, namely structural and institutional factors. Successful implementation of policies that promote small farm development will require concerted action by various players with farmers themselves being key participants. Such processes, which involve partnerships between government, civil and community bodies as well as private firms, have the potential to increase income and to address poverty in rural areas in the region.
