Baseline Assessment of Performance Indicators among Mango Producers in Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

A baseline assessment of mango producers in northern Côte d’Ivoire was conducted as part of the regional project to control fruit flies. The study encompassed a sample of 443 producers from the project area, covering the localities of Korhogo, Sinématiali, and Ferkessédougou, as well as 75 producers from the control area in Boundiali. Findings indicate that 99.3% of producers are male, predominantly native Sénoufo, with an average age of 48.9 years; women constitute less than 1% of the sample. The vast majority (97.6%) are married, with nearly equal proportions practicing monogamy (45%) and polygamy (53%). Households average 13 members, and producers have, on average, 20 years of experience in mango cultivation. Family labor predominates (87.4%), though 50.6% of producers also employ wage labor. Approximately 61.8% possess animal-drawn farming equipment, typically associated with cotton production. The average orchard size is 6.36 hectares, yet 65.9% of orchards are 5 hectares or less. The Kent variety is overwhelmingly prevalent, comprising 90% of homogeneous orchards. Most mango orchards were established between 1975 and 2005, with a subsequent decline in new orchard creation. Land tenure is largely secured, with 94.5% of producers being landowners—inheritance is the principal mode of land acquisition (93.7%). Land is perceived as scarce or very scarce by 95% of producers, although land disputes are infrequent (3.6%). From a technical perspective, only 3.3% of producers use fertilizers, whereas herbicides and insecticides are employed by 70.5% and 86.4%, respectively. Irrigation is virtually nonexistent (0.6%). The average per-hectare expenditure is 7682 CFA francs for inputs and 7965 CFA francs for maintenance, totaling approximately 15,500 CFA francs per hectare. Total export production is estimated at 16,513 tons, with 85% originating from orchards aged between 10 and 40 years. Large orchards (≥10 ha) account for 13% of holdings but contribute 48% of total production. The mean exportable yield is 1.15 tons per hectare, representing roughly one-third of the gross yield. Only 11% of producers hold certification, and 27% are affiliated with a producer group. Fruit flies inflict considerable damage: most producers lack knowledge of effective control methods, though over 90% recognize fruit flies as a major issue, alongside adverse climatic conditions and low purchase prices. Producers are thus aware of the detrimental impact of fruit flies but possess limited means to address the problem.