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Managing seasonality in West African informal urban vegetable markets: The role of household relations

Author

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  • Imogen Bellwood‐Howard
  • Isaac Gershon Kodwo Ansah
  • Samuel Arkoh Donkoh
  • Gabin Korbéogo

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Imogen Bellwood‐Howard & Isaac Gershon Kodwo Ansah & Samuel Arkoh Donkoh & Gabin Korbéogo, 2021. "Managing seasonality in West African informal urban vegetable markets: The role of household relations," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(5), pages 874-893, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:33:y:2021:i:5:p:874-893
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.3562
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    References listed on IDEAS

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