UNDERSTANDING and STRUCTURING THE WATERMELON INDUSTRY: production systems key performance factors in Senegal

Watermelon is emerging as an alternative or complementary crop that could revitalize traditional crops as a source of income in Senegal's groundnut basin. The aim of this book is to characterize watermelon production and marketing systems, and to identify the obstacles and levers to its production. Data were collected by questionnaire and interview guide from producers and resource persons in the groundnut basin. Watermelon production is dominated by young, mostly inexperienced men, reflecting a strong renewal of the sector. Growers mainly use organophosphate pesticides, which are highly toxic, while agroecological practices remain limited and poorly mastered. Marketing takes place mainly at the edge of the field, in loumas or in urban areas. The analysis distinguishes three groups of growers according to plot size, yield and market access. The study identifies a number of shortcomings in practices and suggests levers to guide the authorities' decisions.

Pagina's: 60, Paperback, Our Knowledge Publishing