Access to investment: the second question to be addressed in assessing profitability is the ease of access to investment and the cost of obtaining capital. While large-scale producers are normally in a better position than small producers for attracting investment or borrowing money from commercial banks, there are certain sources of credit (such as input suppliers and micro-finance institutions) which are particularly appropriate - and indeed may be exclusively reserved - for investment in small enterprise and smallholder production.

Certain key questions on availability and cost of investment must be addressed. These are critical elements in determining the profitability of any proposed investment in export horticulture.