The effectiveness of contract farming in improving smallholder income and food security in low- and middle-income countries: a mixed-method systematic review

This systematic review by Ton and colleagues examines the effectiveness of contract farming, a common means of sourcing farm produce from smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries. The review suggests that farm income improves substantially, as does household income, although to a lesser extent. However, the true effect of contract farming is lower, due to 'survivor bias' - that is, the only evidence available is from successfully completed contracts. Hence, more prospective studies are needed that examine the effects of contract farming interventions from inception onwards. Impact evaluations also need to collect data on food security outcomes, as these outcomes are presently available in only one study included in the review.