Characteristics of areas where inadequate marketing systems are a majo bottleneck to improved food supply conditions and self-reliance; The catalytic role of various types of marketing enterprises in stimulating the expansion of local food production; Appropriate post-harvest technology in semi-subsistence traditional food marketing systems; Government marketing policies and services; Options for international aid.

Marketing is defined as the business activities associated with the flow of goods and services from production to consumption. The marketing of agricultural products begins on the farm, with the planning of production, and is completed with the sale of food or other goods to consumers or manufacturers. Agricultural marketing also includes the supply to farmers of fertilizers and seeds as inputs for production. Overall, marketing is an essential component of successful agriculture but its importance is often underestimated, especially in developing countries. This book brings together the most significant writings on agricultural and food marketing as related to development over the last 40 years. The editor has selected key sections of significant books and papers, grouped them by their overall theme, and provided introductory commentaries. The book is intended for students of food and agricultural marketing in the developing countries and will also interest professionals in this subject area.