The guide (which is entirely online and is walked through by a series of links) has been primarily written for intermediaries - such as small enterprises which service and buy produce from the smallholders, commercial producers, non-government organizations and community-based organizations - who are working with or wishing to engage smallholders in the production of vegetables for export.

The guide is broken down into the following sections, each of which consist of a number of key sub-topics:

Elements for successful business - covers the principal requirements that enable the relationship between smallholders, exporters and later links in the supply chain to function effectively Market linkages - sets out steps for establishing sustainable linkages between smallholders and the market, including the role that could be played by an independent intermediary Providing services to smallholders - outlines the services smallholders need and suggests ways of supplying them Agricultural and environmental practices - looks at the agronomic and environmental aspects involved in selecting horticultural commodities for smallholder production in more detail Quality assurance and human health and safety - considers the type and nature of hazard that can compromise food safety and human health, and describes the principles and practices of quality assurance for maintaining food safety throughout the supply chain Current and future trends - addresses current and anticipated trends in the export horticulture trade and makes suggestions on how businesses can respond to these trends, grasp opportunities they offer and avoid constraints they may bring