The hidden middle of agrifood systems: a systematic review of leading authors and policy recommendations
This report synthesizes the literature on the Hidden Middle of agrifood systems—the midstream segment that connects producers to markets through processing, logistics, and intermediation.
Evidence Review: Investments and Policies in Agrifood Chain Linkages
Agrifood systems are increasingly shaped by activities beyond the farm gate, yet the midstream and
downstream segments—known as the hidden middle—remain severely under-researched. This paper
presents a review of 276 impact evaluations and systematic reviews to assess what is currently known
about effective policies and programs targeting the hidden middle in low- and middle-income
countries. While 52% of the studies focus on smallholder-oriented interventions and 21% on public
goods, only 27% address the hidden middle, and nearly half of these concern contract farming—a
mechanism designed to bypass intermediaries rather than strengthen them. Most intervention
categories in the midstream and downstream are supported by fewer than four rigorous studies.
Moreover, services like storage, training, and market information are evaluated almost exclusively in
the context of producers, ignoring the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that dominate
the hidden middle. The paper concludes that addressing this evidence gap is essential to designing
inclusive, resilient agrifood systems and calls for a shift in research and policy focus toward the actors
and services that connect farms to markets and consumers.
Entre la migración y la agricultura: Limitadas opciones laborales para los jóvenes rurales en el Perú
Este documento tiene el objetivo de brindar evidencia que ayude a comprender la situación laboral que enfrentan los jóvenes a través de los distintos niveles de urbanización. Para ello, en la primera y segunda sección, se presenta datos descriptivos del mercado laboral con énfasis en sus diferencias.
Crecimiento económico, cohesión social y trayectorias divergentes Valle Sur – Ocongate (Cuzco – Perú)
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube Linkedin Autores Raúl Asensio Hernández Carolina Trivelli El estudio enfatiza la creciente articulación de los pobladores de Valle Sur-Ocongate con mercados comerciales dinámicos, especialmente de la ciudad de Cuzco. El impacto de esta articulación se analiza en dos niveles. Como primer nivel, asistimos a una diversificación de las estrategias de vida […]
Crisis y pobreza rural en América Latina
Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube Linkedin Autores Carlos De los Ríos Carolina Trivelli Johanna Yancari La crisis financiera internacional afectará de manera directa, aunque diferenciada, a los países de América Latina. Este documento trata de responder a la pregunta de cómo afectará la actual crisis a la población rural, y en particular a la pobreza rural, […]