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

Mamadou Sissoko (Université des Sciences Sociales et de Gestion de Bamako, Bamako, Mali)
Veronique Theriault (Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA)
Melinda Smale (Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA)

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies

ISSN: 2044-0839

Article publication date: 5 September 2022

Issue publication date: 25 March 2024

85

Abstract

Purpose

The 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/approach

The 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.

Findings

The 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/implications

Future work should explore consumer preferences for different types of cowpea products.

Originality/value

This 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.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Food Security under the Legume Research Systems Innovation Laboratory's Cooperative Agreement #7200AA18LE00003. The authors express their gratitude to the survey staff and in particular to the respondents for sharing their time and experiences with the authors. The authors thank Steve Haggblade, Amidou Assima, Naman Keita, Yenizie Kone, Pierre Traore and Bourema Kone for their comments on the cowpea value chain map. The authors alone assume full responsibility for all errors of fact or interpretation.

Citation

Sissoko, M., Theriault, V. and Smale, M. (2024), "Beyond grain: the potential of cowpea in local markets of Mali", Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 310-331. https://doi.org/10.1108/JADEE-02-2022-0035

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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