ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY, MARKETS ACCESS & INCOME OF SMALL FARMING BUSINESS : POTENTIAL LIMITATION OF CONTRACT FARMING (POLICOFA)| MZUMBE

UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CONTRACT FARMING IN AFRICA.

2 - 3 OCTOBER at WHITE SANDS HOTEL, DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA.

ANNOUNCEMENT & CALL FOR PAPERS ORGANIZER Aim:

Mzumbe University (in collaboration with Institute Of Rural Development Planning),Department of Geology and Geography-University Of Copenhagen & Institute of Food and Resource Economics-University of Copenhagen.

Studies on contract farming in Africa have for a long time been divided between two different approaches. One is focusing on household-based surveys with the aim to examine income- and productivity benefits of farmers involved in contract farming. The other approach is focusing on community dynamics and institutional aspects of contract farming. While economists dominate the first approach, rural sociologists, anthropologists and geographers pursue the other. This conference seeks to bring together the different strands of social science by inviting researchers and policy makers to engage in a dialogue by discussing the strength and weakness of each of the approaches and by looking for potential overlaps and entry points for integrative efforts. It is envisaged that the conference will assist in the formation of new networks for exchange of knowledge and experience with contract farming and rural transformations in Africa.

Conference format:

The conference will last for two days. Internationally recognized keynote speakers have been invited to participate and presentation of participants papers will be organised in thematic sessions. It is planned to publish selected papers in an edited volume and/or a special issue of an international, peer-reviewed journal. However, submission and presentation of a paper is not a prerequisite for participation in the conference. The conference will conclude with a workshop session in which participants will discuss possible policy recommendations and elaborate on important points that needs to be decided upon as a result of a political process.

Important Dates:

Themes to be discussed:

Contract farming and agricultural development, e.g. the effects of contract farming on farm productivity, technical efficiency, and product standards. Communal and sociological implications of contract farming, e.g. the role of farmers organizations and cooperatives. Contract farming and rural transformations, e.g. the implications for market access, diversification of household income and local spin-off effects to other activities. The role of government and state institutions, e.g. legal and judicial development, regulatory practice of crop boards, and the importance of local Government.

Schedule for conference papers submissions May 15: Deadline for submission of abstracts of not more than 500 words June15: Confirmation of successful abstracts August 3: Deadline for Submission of Full Papers Please submit the abstracts in electronic format by e-mail to policofa@mzumbe.ac.tz For detailed information, please check our website at http://www.mzumbe.ac.tz/ http://policofa.mzumbe.ac.tz

Conference Registration Fees:

There is no registration fee. The conference will provide conference materials, and refreshment. Participants will be responsible for their travel and accommodation to and from the conference. Those who would like to stay at the Conference hotel, ie. White Sands Hotel, the hotel rates vary between 150 US$ to 210 US$. Participants will have to make their own reservation using the following contacts: Phone: +25 522 264 7020/4 Fax: +255 22 264 7875 Email: info@hotelwhitesands.com Mobile:+255784467150 | +255758818697

This Conference is made possible by a research grant to Mzumbe university from the Danish Government, through the Danish Fellowship Center as Part of the Southen Driven Development Research Programme.