Markedskjede

Markedskjede is a term used in economics and development studies to describe the sequence of markets, actors, and transactions through which a product or service moves from initial production to final consumption. The concept emphasizes the exchanges that occur between producers, intermediaries, and consumers, and how market institutions such as prices, information, contracts, and competition shape these exchanges.

A markedskjede typically includes production, processing or packaging, distribution, and retail or end-use markets. Key participants can include farmers or manufacturers, traders and brokers, wholesalers, retailers, and, in some cases, informal sellers. Intermediaries may specialize in functions such as aggregation, financing, or logistics. Markets at different steps may be formal or informal, domestic or international, and governed by varying rules and standards.

The concept is often used to analyze market access, efficiency, and development challenges. It highlights how incentives, information asymmetries, infrastructure, and regulatory barriers affect price transmission, producer income, and consumer prices. Markedskjede analysis can inform policy and business strategy by identifying bottlenecks, power asymmetries among actors, and opportunities for upgrading, such as better grading, certification, or improved logistics.

Markedskjede is related to, but distinct from, the broader notions of supply chains and value chains. While supply chains focus on the physical flow of goods and services, and value chains on value addition, the markedskjede centers on market transactions and the structure of market participation that connects production with consumption.