Socio-economic value of tamarind (Tamarindus indica) in ecological zone I of Togo

Abstract

The multiplicity of actors involved in the value chain and the consumers high interest for tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) products highlights the socio-economic value of this fruit and justifies a socio-economic study in the ecological zone I of Togo. The study involved a sample of 98 harvesters, 50 traders and 30 processors of tamarind fruits. The study aims at: (i) identifying actors in the tamarind value chain, (ii) characterizing marketing channels, and (iii) assessing income generated by tamarind fruits trade.We also gathered and analyzed information related to harvesting and marketing. The average quantity harvested per person is 110 ± 50 kg, The average price per kg ranged from 135 ± 34 to 220 ± 65 CFA francs, depending on the availability. The average price for women resellers varies from 320 to 618 F CFA per kg. The average revenue per harvester ranges from 12 920 to 23 605 F CFA. Among female resellers, the income ranges from 63 217 to 303 145 F CFA. In order to ensure sustainable use and conservation of T. indica in the agroforestry system, it is imperative to better study its population structure.

Keywords: Tamarind, marketing, value chain, NTFP, ecological zone