Managing seasonality in West African informal urban vegetable markets: The role of household relations. (15th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bellwood‐Howard, Imogen; Ansah, Isaac Gershon Kodwo; Donkoh, Samuel Arkoh; Korbéogo, Gabin
• Is Part Of: Journal of international development. Volume 33:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 874
• Page End: 893
• Publication Date: 2021-06-15
• Subjects: agricultural markets -- Burkina Faso -- Ghana -- Mali -- performance -- seasonality -- social relations -- West Africa; Economic development projects -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic policy -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Foreign economic relations -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Periodicals; 330.91724
• DOI: 10.1002/jid.3562
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-1748

Abstract

Abstract: Seasonality influences African informal agricultural markets, but existing literature inadequately explores its interactions with market actors' social relations and livelihood outcomes. Thus, agricultural commercialisation policy ineffectively supports such actors to manage seasonality. Across Bamako, Ouagadougou and Tamale, we conducted interviews, focus group discussions, and a survey of farmer and marketer profits across seasons. Hot, dry season lettuce transactions performed by marketers are more likely to make profit. Farmers and marketers rely on household and community relations and reproduce gendered skills to optimise profit and secure future income streams. Policies supporting household reproduction, and infrastructure, may best support their marketing activity.