Marketing Channels of Mango Farmers in Mali

Mango (Mangifera indica Linn) plays a central role as fruit crop among the horticultural fruits in Mali. Mali is among the largest mango producers in West Africa and among the fastest growing mango exporters in the world. The volume of mangoes produced is estimated at 575000 tons per year. Mango production is an important socio-economic activity in Mali, providing employment in rural areas and income through exportation. The study focused on marketing channels of mango famers in Mali. The secondary data were used to investigate marketing channels of mango in Mali. This paper consists of three parts. In the first part, the socio-economic characteristics of mango farmers in Mali were explained. In the second part, information about the development of Mango production and trade in Mali was given. In the third part, marketing channels of Mango farmers were examined. In general, it is difficult to say that Mango marketing channels operate effectively in Mali. The ineffectiveness of marketing channels occurs mostly at the local market level. It is important to strengthen the marketing infrastructure for Mango's marketing channels in Mali to be more effective. The government of Mali needs to implement a special incentive program, especially for wholesalers, who play an important role in increasing post-harvest losses. There is a need for financial support and training of wholesalers during the transportation, storage and processing of fresh mango. It is also important to extend these supports for mango producers.