Planning for market coordination in LDCs: The role of channel participants in improving food distribution systems

Many development planners have proposed food systems reforms that underscore the importance of coordination and/or integration of traditionally fragmented distributive institutions. However, attempts at nurturing market coordination schemes have been thwarted in part, because they have not gained the endorsement of channel participants. A planning model is suggested to consider the receptivity of channel participants to various market coordination arrangements and their ability to overcome barriers to coordination. This framework can be used to introduce selective market reforms.