Production management and marketing of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas (L.) Lam) in a farm environment in South Benin
Paper Details
Production management and marketing of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas (L.) Lam) in a farm environment in South Benin
Abstract
In Africa, sweet potato is a key crop for food security and nutrition, especially for poor and vulnerable populations. However, its production faces several challenges that limit its development. This study aimed to contribute to improving production and conservation practices of this tuber. A survey was conducted in 35 villages across 15 communes with 335 producers in the southern and central zones of Benin. Informations’ collected were on production management, constraints, control methods, storage, conservation, and marketing strategies. Data were gathered with KoboCollect, processed in Excel 2016, and analyzed with R4.5.0. Results show that sweet potato production is overwhelmingly male-dominated (97.17%), with producers averaging 45 years of age and 16.8 years of experience. Most belong to the Fon, Nagot, and Adja ethnic groups, while 56.5% are illiterate. Agriculture is the main activity (87.83%), and land is accessed primarily through rental (44.35%) or inheritance (32.17%). Production is largely market-oriented (94.78%), sold wholesale and measured by basin. Major constraints include post-harvest storage, scarcity of cuttings, and pests such as Cylas formicarius, Bedellia somnulentella, and Agrius cingulata. Tubers are mainly stored in the field (94.82%), while planting material is self-produced (88.70%) through cuttings or natural regrowth. The absence of professional organizations limits producers’ access to credit and structured markets. These findings highlight both the importance of sweet potato in local livelihoods and the urgent need for improved conservation methods, pest control, and organizational structures to support sustainable production.
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