Groundnut Production and Storage in the Sahel: Challenges and Opportunities in the Maradi and Zinder Regions of Niger

Abstract

Groundnut Arachis hypogaea (L.), is an important legume crop after cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L. Walp) in Niger. However, there has been a decline in its economic importance due to several challenges. A survey of 800 farmers was conducted in 40 villages in the Maradi and Zinder regions to assess constraints and opportunities to improve groundnut production and marketing. Average land size and yield varied by region: 1.3 ha per farmer and 461.3 kg ha-1 in Maradi, and 1.7 ha per farmer and 417.2 kg ha-1 in Zinder. Insect pests (aphids) were the most important production constraint. Groundnut is typically stored for six to eight months after harvest but 91% of farmers do not take any precautions to protect the grain. Storage enables farmers to earn high profit margins of up to 33 and 113% for unshelled and shelled groundnuts, respectively. Most farmers (71.5%) sell their groundnut in unshelled form in local and urban markets. Traders are the main buyers according to 61.7% of farmers while processors were mentioned as purchasers by less than 20%. Sales are mostly done by individual farmers while very little is sold through cooperatives. Given that groundnut is a profitable crop adapted to the Sahelian zone, there is need to improve its production, storage, and value addition through processing.

Cartographie des déterminants de la qualité des semences d’arachide (<i>Arachis hypogeae </i>L.) produites dans les principales zones agricoles au Sénégal

“…En effet, la brûche se développe dans les conditions optimales de températures (27 à 33°C) et d'humidité relative (30 -90%) selon Ranga- Rao et Rameshwar-Rao (2013). Plusieurs études ont montré que l'arachide est fortement attaquée par la brûche au Sénégal (Sembène et al, 2012), au Niger (Bakoye et al, 2019) et en Inde (Ranga-Rao et Rameshwar-Rao, 2013). Nos résultats sont similaires à ceux obtenues par Harish et al (2012).…”

Farmers’ management of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) diversity, their varietal preference traits and uses in Southern and Central Benin

“…In opposition to peanut farmers of Uganda [8], Tanzania [13], Ghana [26], Niger [27], Malawi [28], and Togo [12] for which insect pests and, diseases were the main constraints of t production, Beninese farmers perceived rodent attacks as the most constraint. This perception is share by Pakistan farmers, which also mentioned rodents as main constraint of peanut production [29].…”

“…Like most producers in Niger [27] and Senegal [37], peanut is stored mainly in unshelled form by surveyed farmers. This form of peanut conservation has proven to be an effective approach to reduce insect infestations during storage [14].…”

Pod Yield Stability of Best Groundnut Varieties from National Agricultural Research Stations Program in West Africa

“…In Niger, groundnut is a major source of income for smallholder farmers. It is the most important legume crop after cowpea and is use both as a cash crop and food crop [9]. Several groundnut varieties have been developed and release by the National Agricultural Research Institute (INRAN) and the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics.…”