The production of fresh produce in Africa for export to the United Kingdom: mapping different value chains

This report maps the involvement of African smallholders in supplying produce to UK markets (with emphasis on detailed characterisation of UK markets) by determining origin of product, types of product, volumes, values and numbers of smallholders involved and destination markets. The study is important because there is strong evidence that exporters and importers are moving away from the smallest of growers, not because of product quality or productivity, but because of transaction costs associated with private retailer standards. At present, it is not clear whether production by small-scale farmers throughout Africa destined for export to retailers abroad can remain viable