Mercantile integration and production systems of family farms: evidence from the urban periphery of Luanda, Angola.

Abstract

Despite the recognized importance of family farming in sub-Saharan Africa, empirical evidence on the market integration of peri-urban farms in Angola remains scarce. This paper analyses the production system and market dynamics of family farms in four villages of Luanda Province, Angola – Terra Nova, Mabuia, Kamicuto II, and Kilunda – based on a household survey of 204 farming families conducted between October 2024 and August 2025. Using descriptive statistics and frequency distributions, the study examines the destination of agricultural production, marketing channels for crops, fruit trees, and natural resource-dependent products, and livestock management practices. Results show that 83.57% of total production is sold, with the nearest city or town being the dominant marketing channel (54.77% for crops). Livestock is used predominantly for sale/exchange and family food supply. The paper concludes that these small-scale family farms exhibit strong integration into local and regional market circuits, with significant heterogeneity across villages.