in other markets and can therefore make comparative assessments.  They have realized that increased transparency in market prices does not harm their operations and may actually enhance them. They therefore provide   reliable information  as they feel they are  part of the project. Many traders have indicated that they listen to the prevailing prices and plan their movements  accordingly. Some traders have complained  that farmers are now asking for higher prices and base their arguments on the  prices aired. This is an indication of the success of the project. Due to the high volume of eggs transacted in Wangige, which is one the markets, traders in other markets listen to the prices  of eggs there and use it as a bench mark in pricing their eggs.

Re-Evaluation of Markets:

Some markets which were in the circuit had to be re-evaluated. Githunguri is  a case in point. It was previously in the circuit but had to be removed for two reasons A) Insecurity: For about three weeks, there was a disagreement between the local council and the traders on the fees charged which led to strikes. B) The volume  of goods transacted was very low and was more like a retail market. In its, place, Magumu market which is in Nyandarua District  has been included. There are very high volumes of Kale, Potatoes and carrots traded here. This dynamism of constant evaluation of markets in the script has been found to be very effective.

Current efforts

Smart Charts

The MIS has embarked on creation of smart charts. These are monthly mean prices of the different commodities in different markets. With the help of these charts, farmers or traders can make intelligent decisions. Use of tomato prices for example indicates that moving tomatoes from Kutus to Kawangware or Marigiti is the most profitable. The price trends for several months indicates that assuming the information holds true for another year a farmer would be well advised to project his tomato crop to mature in April as that   is when he would get maximum return in any. There are current discussions with three pharmaceutical companies with a view to incorporating them as part sponsors of   the  programme.  In return for their acknowledgment, the proposal is for them to contribute towards the cost of the air-time and since the programme has already gained popularity, then they stand to gain. Kameme FM has already agreed in principle to the idea

Market review programme: This is a proposed five minute monthly review programme. Prevailing market prices will be analyzed together with information from the Ministry of Agriculture. The price trends will be analyzed. Future trends will also be analyzed by combining primary information with information on  food reserves and  metereological data and predicted patterns explained using simple language.

Website Information: A  website has been established. Daily market information will be uploaded by the agents in the different markets   through commercial computer bureaus set up in different towns by private entrepreneurs. These agents will download information from other markets and marketing opportunities in international markets. Smart charts for different commodities will be downloaded.  They will then interact with farmers association, women groups and local Ministry of agriculture officials and transmit the information. They will be paid on commission depending on the number of clients they contact.

Limitations of Success

The  Market Information Service has inter-acted with many traders and farmers in the marketing chain. One of the  problems realized is that in the main  city market, there are ‘brokers’ or ‘middlemen’ who control the supply of certain commodities like green maize and tomatoess to the markets. A new entrant will therefore not be allowed to just bring their truck and supply goods. They have to go through these cartels  which are not recognized officially. They will, however, demand certain conditions or money from new entrants or totally bar them from supplying   goods. These unofficial   conditions means that even with the most upto date market information, traders are not allowed free access, which results in inefficiency and lack of competition. It is also a difficult issue to solve  as these are ‘unofficial’   channels.

Variation of measurement  standards. This is a prevalent problem especially when considering cabbages and green maize. In many cases, cabbages are brought into the market on trucks and sold per piece. The average size cabbage price is taken and about 130 pieces fit into a 126kg. bag. The   problem is that as stocks diminish, what was ‘small’ size becomes ‘average’   later in the day. The problem is similar for green maize as thee is variation in the size of the cob and therefore the number which can fit a 115\kg which varies from 300 to 400 pieces. For tomatoes, Grade A is quoted on the radio.. When the trader goes to the farm to purchase, the farmer insists on the price aired and the trader has a hard time convincing the farmer that his tomatoes are below grade A standard.

 

 


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