Market Mechanisms to Improve Food Security: Zimbabwe November 12, 2012 by Bronwyn Irwin

Outline Big Picture – markets approach with vulnerable populations Example – Market Mechanisms to Achieve Food Security in Zimbabwe

Using a Market Approach with Vulnerable Populations Goal to increase incomes Target productive populations Value Chain Programs Goal to improve nutrition and food security Target vulnerable populations Food Security Programs Reaching Vulnerable Populations with Market Based Approaches

Key Challenges Geographic Targeting Value Chain Selection Beneficiary Targeting Competitiveness

Food Price Impact Vulnerable households are net food purchasers and many spend 60-80% of their income on food. Food prices impact their purchasing power. Vulnerable households liquidate productive assets to purchase food. Vulnerable households are less likely to have the resources and are less willing to risk engagement in market-based activities.

Indirect Impact through Food Prices -Improve farm-level productivity -Improve market linkages between surplus and deficit areas

Zimbabwe Case Study Strengthen the Capacity of Small Traders Improve Household Purchasing Power Strengthen Government Food Policies

Value Chain Wiki

Thanks! Bronwyn Irwin Senior Technical Director, Enterprise Development

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