ANALYSIS OF THE NIEBE VALUE CHAIN IN THE DEPARTMENT OF LOUGA

This study, initiated by the United Nations Development Organization (UNIDO) as part of the establishment of a regional observatory of the local economy in the Louga region, aims to identify the actors involved in the cowpea value chain in the department of Louga, to analyze the competitiveness of this legume and to identify promising niches. Documentary research was used to collect primary data and was complemented by questionnaires and interviews with all the main resource persons to capitalize on information related to cowpea cultivation in the study area.The results showed that cowpea is well integrated into the production system of producers in the study area. Cowpea occupies 21% of the area developed in 2013, with average yields of 250 kg/ha. This low yield rate can be explained by pest attacks on the one hand, but also by the fact that an undetermined quantity is sold as green cowpeas (pods).