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SustainSahelNews

Markets and factors limiting the adoption of agroforestry techniques - SustainSahel survey

"Women are more familiar with the products and their advantages in terms of adding value. They know how to negotiate prices better. The processing chain is still run by women". However, women generally have no means of transport to get their produce to market.

Local market in Touba, Senegal. Women dominate local markets Photo by: Gian Nicolay, FiBL

Solutions are often found through group reflection. Here on the Koussanar site Photo by: Gian Nicolay, FiBL


A survey of SustainSahel stakeholders is nearing completion. It has  already provided some interesting insights into the economic and commercial aspects. In particular, on the role of women in relation to markets, commodity chains and therefore disposable income. There is no doubt among the survey participants that women have greater talents in processing and small-scale trade. One major challenge is transport, which limits women's ability to market their products. 

In addition, the heavy burden of household chores and the roles that women play within the family can be seen as hindrances to engaging in marketing.

Crop shrub livestock (CSL) systems must lead to financial and economic results

With the survey carried out between July and September 2024, we tried to gain a picture of these situations in the project sites. One key factor that stands out is the dependence of producers on buyers, who seem to control the pricing of products. The more than 100 participants already came to one conclusion: "Producers need to organise themselves better". 

This is not easy in a context where virtually all households rely on at least three commodity chains, including one linked to domestic animals, and especially in the three countries where millet is the staple food.

Limiting factors for adoption of CSL systems

The limiting factors for adoption, which are noted to a greater or lesser extent by all the sites, are: buyers who set prices, policies, the economy in general, education and the lack of community dynamics. So, adoption is not limited by technology or innovation, but socio-economic factors. 

Recommendations for further actions in the project

The recommendations made for the final year of the project also point in the direction of continuing to support the innovation platforms, but with specific ideas to: 

  • Stimulate the market,
  • Inititate sheep fattening for women
  • Initiate techniques for transforming plant fodder into livestock feed,
  • Support formation of production and marketing networks
  • Strengthen the innovation platform so that each player can play a role.

A report will be produced shortly and shared on the website with the most relevant results of this interesting survey of commercial, economic and socio-cultural realities.

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