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Foreword

The publication of this manual marks the culmination of a long period of collaborative research by numerous professionals and organizations. In fact we believe that by providing the necessary organizational, institutional, and financial support over a period of approximately five years, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the ASEAN Food Handling Bureau (AFHB), and the Postharvest Institute for Perishables (PIP), have demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-institutional cooperation.

The development of the Commodity Systems Assessment Methodology (CSAM) grew out of the perceived need for a systematic approach to identifying and resolving postharvest problems. However, during the basic research stage, the necessity to analyze postharvest problems from the perspective of a whole commodity system became increasingly apparent.

This manual was written to provide professionals in the agricultural sector with proven methodological tools which can be utilized in identifying and solving problems throughout a commodity system. A systematic approach, from planning to product distribution, helps to ensure that all factors affecting a given commodity are considered in development programs, whether related to pre-production, production, harvest, postharvest, or marketing.

While this manual is intended to provide guidelines for developing countries, it may not meet the needs of all persons, given the broad variations in geography, weather, cultural, and socio-economic conditions around the world. Users must innovate where necessary, and therefore develop modified versions of the methodology and instruments used herein.

Our three institutions intend to provide continued support for the further development of CSAM. Future activities are likely to include support for the application of CSAM in diverse countries, translation into Spanish and French, and publication of a condensed version that can be more readily utilized as a field manual.

We welcome suggestions for improvements in CSAM and invite readers to address inquiries to the persons indicated on the following page.

Reginald Pierre (IICA)
Raymundo T. Gonzalez (AFHB)
Harvey C. Neese (PIP)

This publication is a SUMMARY VERSION of the Commodity Systems Assessment Methodology (CSAM). The complete manual may be purchased from the Postharvest Institute for Perishables or the Inter-Amercan Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture. Addresses are given below:

FOR INQUIRIES OR SUGGESTIONS REGARDING THE COMMODITY SYSTEMS ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY, PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PERSONS:

Director
Postharvest Institute for Perishables

129 W Third st.
College of Agriculture
University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho 83843
USA
TEL: (208) 885-3576
FAX: (208) 885 3581

E-mail: uipip@uidaho.edu


Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA)
P.O. Box 55-2200
Coronado, Costa Rica
TEL: (506) 229-0222
FAX: (506) 229-4741


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