Developing the Millet and Sorghum Value Chain from Genderred Trait Preference study in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Prioritizing the different traits and cultivar demand of farmers and other actors in the cereal value chain has been the challenge faced by the breeding program in sub-Saharan Africa. The present study aims to assign concrete weights to different profile of actors-related constraints and trait preferences by focusing on the value chain studies; paying more attention on gender related aspects that the value chain of Millet and Sorghum encounter. Drowing from mix method, using the value chain approach combined with the Self Identity approach, this paper uses trait prioritization to assess producers/consumers, traders and processors’ preferred traits in three agro-ecological regions of Burkina Faso targeting 712 respondents, with 389 female respondents, or 46.75% of total sample size, 12 focus groups and one participatory workshop. The findings show that despite existing efforts for inclusive agriculture, the social construction and allocated roles have shaped the varietal traits preferences. It appears that the desired traits are more related to one specific position which relate to one identity on the value chain. Value chain actors’ options and choices then depend on either they are farmers, processors, and traders with specific challenges in relation to their professions. Such professions impact these actors’ preferences.&nbsp