La mangue en afrique de l’ouest francophone : Les systémes de production et les itinéraires techniques

Abstract

Cropping systems of the mango trees in West Africa are very varied. Each one of them developed in a specific context where the agronomical practices and the varietal composition of the orchards contribute to the diversity observed. The study undertaken should make it possible to understand better the influence of the potential outlets on the evolution of the regional mango production. Principal cropping systems. In the studied area, most of the mango orchards are smaller than 10 ha; their production is extensive and uses few inputs. They belong mainly to growers whose principal activity is centred on agriculture. Certain plantations of nearly 100 ha, found in Senegal or in CÔte d’Ivoire, belong to exporters and profit from technical assistance. Agronomical practices. Study of the agronomical practices used in mango orchards of West Africa made it possible to analyze the aspects of seedling production, choice of the site, installation of the orchard before plantation, plantation and maintenance of the trees, fire protection and water management, as well as the effect of the export market on the varietal choice and the varietal offer during a harvest campaign. Diseases and enemies. An inventory of the pathological problems and physiological diseases likely to devalue production were carried out. Marketing. This part made it possible to distinguish intercontinental exports, requiring a specific harvest and conditioning organization, and the local, national and regional markets. Processing. Today, the share of processed mangos in West Africa uses only a negligible proportion of the total production. Conclusion and prospects. Beside traditional production, which presents signs of brittleness, appear modern orchards. More than a necessary intensification of the orchards, a rationalization of the agronomical practices, plant health protection, fruit harvest and handling are impossible to circumvent. Further, the export path is confronted with a fast evolution of the exogenous regulations, based on increasingly strict qualitative and sanitary standards. © 2004 Cirad/EDP Sciences.