Contribution to mango value chain development in Benin - a producer perception survey
C. Van Melle, D. Arinloye, O. Coulibaly, J.F. Vayssières, K. Hell
Acta Horticulturae 975: 607-613: 2013.
2013
บทคัดย่อ
Mango (Mangifera indica L., Anacardiaceae) is a popular fruit in Africa because of its high nutritional and economic value. However, smallholders in Benin, a West African country, are currently unable to take advantage of this potential because of various constraints along the value chain. A survey with 150 mango producers in three agro-ecological zones revealed that producers estimate losses for grafted mangoes are 46% and for local mangoes 68%. They perceive phyto-sanitary problems (mainly fruit fly infestations) as well as poor access to markets as the main causes. Mango production in Benin is concentrated in the Northern Guinean Savannah (NGS) zone, and mostly done on small scale (80% ≤3 ha) with no use of purchased inputs (extensive). Profitability is relatively low, varying from minus 60 to 80 USD/ha in NGS and slightly higher in the other zones. The distance of the orchard to the road (remoteness) shows a negative trend regarding the profit per kg mango produced, which demonstrates high transaction costs. In order to reduce mango losses and increase profitability, an integrated approach is needed, both addressing phyto-sanitary problems as well as poor market access. The development of alternative and innovative value chains can contribute to filling the resource gaps at producer level.