Analysis of the production system and marketing of improved groundnut seed in Kolokani area

The present study analyzes the system for producing and marketing improved groundnut seed in Kolokani. Data from the study were collected from 30 groundnut seed producers in the above-mentioned locality in May 2019 using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Producer output value and margin analysis approaches are used in this study to estimate the value added and gross and net margins obtained in groundnut seed production in Kolokani. The overall results of our study allow us to say that 62.08% of our sample did not attend school which is limiting factor to the use of the recommended technics of production of seed by some producers. The producers are mostly adults with an average age of 48 years. Our study showed that men represent 75.86% of the sample. Also 93.10% of the sample are married which favors the abundance of the family labor which carries out most of the rural work. The results also showed that a groundnut seed producer in Kolokani earns on average 498,007 FCFA / season and per hectare as net income (profit) with a yield of 1,499 kg / ha and an average selling price of 581 FCFA the Kg. The break-even point was 643.54 kg, which is not reached by all the producers surveyed due to several factors, particularly soil poverty etc. However, the rate of return of 133% shows that the improved seed production of groundnut in the Kolokani area is profitable. In spite of the rather satisfactory economic results, the producers encounter many constraints which limits groundnut seed production due to the control of sales prices by the buyers, the insufficiency of agricultural equipment (plow, tractor, seeder, tarpaulin, hullers, etc.), difficult access to quality seeds of improved varieties; early cessation of rains causing difficulties in harvesting. To make groundnut seed production more profitable in Kolokani, policymakers and development agencies must facilitate the organization of producers into a cooperative or group to enhance their bargaining power and management in order to facilitate their access to input, equipment and profitable seed markets. Good producer organization can also facilitate access to improved production technologies.