Analysis of the marketing channels of an indigenous smallholder cattle breed at risk of losing genetic diversity: The case of the Lagune cattle in Benin

This study was undertaken to investigate the marketing channels of Lagune cattle and identify market potentials, constraints, and opportunities for its increased commercialisation. It was based on literature research and field surveys conducted between February and April 2022 in six localities of the Ouémé department in southeast Benin, where the largest population of this breed is found. One hundred seventy-three (173) producers of Lagune cattle and 20 butchers were included in the field survey. The marketing channels were identified, the different actors were described, and their average profit margins were estimated and compared. The results show that Lagune cattle production in rural and peri-urban areas is characterised by specific breeding practices. The direct producers-consumers channel was the most important commercialisation channel for this breed, followed by the producers-retailers (butchers)-consumers one. A net margin per animal of 92,819 FCFA and 33,407 FCFA was obtained by producers and butchers, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio for producers and butchers was 8.43 and 3.31, respectively, indicating that the capital invested by these two groups of actors was globally recovered. The results further show that despite its extensive characteristics, smallholder Lagune cattle farming is profitable. Finally, issues related to improving conditions for controlling cattle flows and slaughters in Ouémé department should be discussed to promote the breed and increase its commercialisation.