Market Information Systems (MIS) collect, process and disseminate information on the situation and the dynamics of agricultural markets in order i) to improve public policies through increased awareness of market realities and ii) to increase market transparency and, by this way, to lead to a fairer and more efficient allocation of resources.

MIS information can be used by farmers to guide their production and marketing decisions: choice of what, when and where to sell based on market information. This information may thus reduce market risks. In addition, as small farmers' market power is hindered by their lack of information on price levels and changes at different points of the marketing chain, strengthening smallholder farmers' access to information can improve farmers bargaining position.

policy brief: How MIS can improve producers’ market power and build farmers’ organisations voice?