Cowpea grain sales by women and men traders in local markets of Senegal

Purpose To orient the commercial development of cowpeas, we identify the determinants of the value of cowpea grain sold by traders in Senegal’s local markets. We test whether the determinants differ between men and women traders and explore seasonal patterns. Design/methodology/approach We employ ordinary least squares and seemingly unrelated regressions using a nationally representative dataset of 973 traders, of whom 380 sell cowpea grain, in 99 urban and rural markets across the 14 regions of Senegal. Findings The value of cowpea grain sold is influenced by vendor and market characteristics but not by cowpea type. Women and men traders represent statistically distinct groups. The sales value was eight times higher during the survey season among men. Most women grain sellers are retailers, whereas men are involved in both retailing and wholesaling. The picture that emerges is that men traders are able to respond more to economic signals, such as purchase cost, credit and labor payments, perhaps because they operate on a larger scale. Sales were significantly correlated across seasons. Research limitations/implications To support cowpea commercialization, researchers should explore the characteristics of enterprises led by women and men traders in greater depth. Sampling grain sold in markets to test genetic relationships with improved varieties would enable researchers to link market-based incentives directly to cowpea breeding. Originality/value Previous economics research about cowpea grain markets emphasized the hedonic analysis of grain characteristics to guide crop improvement. This study reveals differentiation among traders by gender and the importance of trader and market characteristics in sales value.