Potential impacts of sales practices on the postharvest quality of yams in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Yams are a major staple food in Burkina Faso, consumed both raw and processed. This study investigated yam marketing practices and the socio-demographic and socio-economic profiles of sellers in the markets in Burkina Faso. Data were collected through questionnaires covering age, gender, varieties, storage conditions, and yam prices, complemented by direct observations of sales and storage methods. Results showed that yam marketing is largely dominated by women, with most sellers being young and averaging 10 years of experience, while older sellers tended to have longer experience. Nearly half of the respondents (48%) had no formal schooling. The main varieties marketed were American (49%), Gona (36%), and Tila (8%), belonging to Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata-cayenensis. Storage practices revealed that 59% of sellers kept yams in the open air, whereas 41% used closed containers, resulting in estimated postharvest losses of 76% from rotting, 18% from drying, and 6% from softening. Rotting was mainly associated with inadequate storage conditions (49%), high temperatures (32%), fertilizer use (14%), and pesticides (5%). Most yams originated from local production areas, particularly Gaoua (21%), Bobo-Dioulasso (11%), Banfora (8%), and Mangodara (6%). Sellers primarily sourced supplies from wholesalers and farmers, who also stored yams before sale. Market prices ranged from 200 to 700 F CFA/kg. Beyond its dietary role, the yam trade represents an important economic activity, with daily earnings varying between 2000 and more than 50,000 F CFA depending on the variety and seller type. These findings highlight the need to improve sales and storage practices to reduce losses, enhance yam quality, and protect consumer health.