RUTA is working on a diagnostic study of the main trade organizations of small-scale farmers in the rural sector of Central America, with a view to identifying their potentialities, weaknesses and opportunities for dialogue on policies targeting that segment of the population.

The study to be conducted by RUTA is aimed at mapping those regional and national organizations that deal with gender issues, work at the national or regional level and participate in major dialogues relating to rural development, international trade and the gender perspective, among others.

RUTA will carry out a systematic analysis of positive experiences with integrating rural entrepreneurs in Central America to the markets. The idea is to use the findings of this systematic study in training the actors involved, with a view to informing the cooperation agencies and the public sector about the best practices of these entrepreneurial groups, as well as the positive or negative impacts of public policies that affect the sector.

There are many examples in the region of successful micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that gain access to different markets; these include activities such as canning, furniture making, ornamental plants, software, pastry and many others. A broader systematic analysis of the different experiences in the region is needed, however, in order to enrich policies aimed at promoting market access for Central American entrepreneurs.