Socio-Economic Impact of Support Actions for the Vegetable Sector in Northern Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Subject Description: Financial, technical, and organizational support for the agricultural sector is a powerful tool in the fight against rural poverty. This study evaluates the socio-economic impact of a project to revitalize agricultural value chains in Côte d'Ivoire.

Objective: It aims to identify the achievements of the support actions undertaken in order to propose corrective measures that could be developed through local initiatives.

Methodology: A qualitative and quantitative approach was used. The sample consisted of 11 groups benefiting from the market gardening value chain revitalization activities. Seven (7) sub-prefectures in the Poro Region were covered. Focus groups of 9 people in average were conducted in each group. Descriptive statistics, fact-based systems analysis, and the chi-square test were used.

Results: At the social level, the groups received more assets, particularly kitchen equipment and vehicles. However, donations to the village and the canteen did not increase significantly. In terms of organization, the project helped formalize the groups. Regarding irrigation methods, no significant improvement in water sources was observed. Furthermore, the project did not significantly impact existing marketing methods. Onions were the only crop produced by the groups, with an average yield of 5.95 tons per hectare on 0.3 hectares. However, after the project, the groups achieved an average yield of 15.10 tons per hectare on 3 hectares. In addition to onion, tomato, eggplant, okra, and pepper were adopted to varying degrees.

Conclusion: Ultimately, the project had a noticeable impact on the lives of the groups, especially at the social and organizational levels.