Les nouvelles opportunités de l'économie alimentaire ouest-africaine

Allen, Thomas; Heinrigs, Philipp

doi:10.1787/5jlwjg67l25f-fr

Cited by 2 publications

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“…Few studies have examined segments of the cowpea value chain beyond production (e.g. Ciss e, 2012), despite that any effort to improve supply will be insufficient if processing and marketing are not taken into consideration (Allen and Heinrigs, 2016). If those segments of the value chain are ignored, agricultural productivity gains will lead to temporary increases in production and prices that fail to benefit farmers and sustain growth (Haggblade and Hazell, 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beyond grain: the potential of cowpea in local markets of Mali

Sissoko

Thériault

Smale

2022

JADEE

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PurposeThe authors assess the development potential of cowpea beyond grain in local markets in Mali by: (1) identifying trader types and types of cowpea products sold; (2) examining trader roles; (3) estimating gross margins and their determinants; and (4) discussing policy opportunities to further develop the value chain.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyze data collected through observation and semi-structured questionnaires from 487 sellers in 26 markets, including market, seller, and product characteristics. The authors also calculate gross margins and conduct a regression analysis to identify influential factors.FindingsThe authors identify several types of cowpea sellers in local markets, including processor-retailers, retailers of fresh leaves and fodder, and grain retailers, collectors and wholesalers. Women dominate the marketing of processed products and fresh leaves. The marketing of boiled cowpeas offers retailers higher margin rates compared to fritters and pancakes. Grain sellers, who are mostly men, have lower margins but sell larger quantities. Processor-retailers bring more value to the cowpea value chain. Specialization of the seller in cowpea, regional location of the market and day of the market fair all influence gross margins.Research limitations/implicationsFuture work should explore consumer preferences for different types of cowpea products.Originality/valueThis study of the cowpea value chain in Mali has revealed the multidimensional character of the cowpea plant, which goes far beyond its grain and highlight the important roles played by women.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beyond grain: the potential of cowpea in local markets of Mali

Sissoko

Thériault

Smale

2022

JADEE

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“…Households are increasingly buying from markets and are turning to more diversified diets, but also to easy-to-cook and highly palatable meals (Allen et al 2018). These developments, which affect all countries of the sub-region as well as all income groups, have increased the consumption of processed, high value-added foods derived from perishable agricultural products (Reardon 2015;Staatz and Hollinger 2016;Allen and Heinrigs 2016). Hence, the development of small-scale food processing and catering activities, referred to as "street food," "snacks," or "popular restaurants" (Allen et al 2018, Bendech 2013FAO 1997), together defined as the "sector producing food and beverages ready for consumption, prepared and/or sold by vendors, especially in the streets and other similar public places" (FAO 1997).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Economic potentials of artisanal food processing microenterprises in West Africa: case of “atta” production in Cotonou (Benin)

2020

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Rapid population growth and urbanization in West Africa have led to profound changes in the lifestyles and diets of urban dwellers. These changes are marked by greater preference for healthier and more nutritious foods, easy to prepare and to consume while saving time. Hence, the development of small-scale food processing and catering activities in the cities. However, despite its importance, the urban food industry still faces several constraints, mainly the lack of equipment that would save cooking time and increase the nutritional quality of final products for consumers. Promoting optimum food processing technologies and business processes has therefore become a major concern for research and policy-makers. This study was conducted as part of the ICOWPEA research project aimed at assessing the economic and sales potential of artisanal food processing microenterprises that produce “atta,” a cowpea fritter or snack, in the city of Cotonou. A sample of twenty-seven women-headed microenterprises was randomly selected from a list of 125 recorded in 22 streets distributed across 13 districts of the city. They were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The survey allowed us to assess how they function, their production costs, and financial performance. The surveyed microenterprises belonged to woman artisans, average age 45, who ran their own businesses. Microenterprises allow many young family members to enter the informal job market. While knowledge is mostly transmitted from mother to daughter and based on learning by doing, very simple processing tools are used. Although mechanical milling is used at some stages of cowpea processing, overall, artisanal “atta” production is a low-profitability business with a return rate of only 11.7%. However, it contributes to feeding the family and rewards family labor that accounts for up to 27.6% of total production cost. In addition to creating jobs for low-income female youth, the activity accounts for a remarkable share of the urban food business sector in Cotonou. Technological upgrading and business empowerment are required for these women to become real entrepreneurs and to overcome the key constraints they face, including the lack of access to credit and absence of improved technologies, training and government recognition. In that respect, appropriate policies are needed to take them out of poverty and make Benin the emerging economy it aspires to be. In particular, a dedicated investment and business development support scheme is required to better meet the growing domestic urban food demand and, in the near future, to envisage the export of stabilized and safer finished cowpea products.

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Les nouvelles opportunités de l'économie alimentaire ouest-africaine

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Beyond grain: the potential of cowpea in local markets of Mali

Beyond grain: the potential of cowpea in local markets of Mali

Economic potentials of artisanal food processing microenterprises in West Africa: case of “atta” production in Cotonou (Benin)

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