This paper reviews recent experience in providing seasonal credit, arguing that economic liberalisation leaves many questions unanswered, especially given the reluctance of commercial banks to provide this service, and weak private trading sectors in many countries. However, examples can be found of how the private sector has provided seasonal credit adequately for some commercial crops, and may offer wider lessons.

Andrew Dorward, Jonathan Kydd, Fergus Lyon, Nigel Poole, Colin Poulton, Laurence Smith and Michael Stockbridge