On request of the World Bank I designed and implemented a market baseline survey on fruits and nuts in eleven districts in Afghanistan in 2009. Major findings are that traders on small markets are inefficient and few traders add any value to the produce (e.g. by grading or storing). Those who add value do not get better margins, but they can increase their market share. Recommenations focused on shortening value chains, support to value adding activities and working on quality standards. The report can be downloaded here.
- Grading raisin in Herat
- Packing melons for export to India
- Poor market infrastructure leading to physical losses