The agricultural marketing system in Zinder, Niger

Abstract

The purpose of the research reported herein was to assess the major problems associated with six marketing organisations in the developing agricultural economy of the province of Zinder, Niger, West Africa. Using interviews and observations of the functioning of the local market for food and cash crops and animal by-products, governmental and semi-governmental intervention was examined in the light of stated objectives and goals. Annual price fixing by the central Government, the lack of integration of the official marketing system with the traditional marketing system, insufficient supplies and lack of managerial expertise and an inefficient transportation system were identified as systemic constraints to the efficiency of the marketing organisations. Finally, several ideas were suggested as policy guidelines to the constraints identified.