In recent years, contract farming has received much attention in the literature, and is touted as a means to engage small farmers in high value agriculture chains. However, its role and impact in the developing countries constitute a debated ground. The proponents of contract farming claim that it results in unprecedented opportunities for farmers, while its critics argue that the asymmetric power relations between firms and farmers lead to exploitation of the latter.

This book examines the different types and models of contract farming in the global South. It reflects on the suitability of such private marketing arrangements for various crops, markets and farmers, on the basis of an analysis of the hegemonic relations between firms and farmers, better returns on crops and the extent of contract farming prevalent.