Adaptation mechanisms for agricultural stakeholders in the Niger valley faced with the closure of borders

Abstract

Abstract

Border areas have become centers of dynamic commercial activity, resulting from the exploitation of disparities between borders by various actors. The latter deploy strategies that generate both legal and illegal flows, thus contributing to the intensification of trade in these regions. This study aims to describe the adaptation mechanisms implemented by actors in cross-border trade in agricultural products in the Niger Valley in the face of border closures. The methodology adopted emphasizes a purposive choice sampling approach. Interviews were conducted with 350 producers, traders, importers, retailers, transporters, smugglers, border guards, local authorities and indigenous people in Malanville, Gaya and Lolo. The Kendall test and descriptive statistics were used.  The results of the study highlight the distinct adaptation strategies adopted at the level of each locality. In Gaya, the use of unofficial land routes, corruption of border security agents and the search for new sales markets are the main adaptation strategies. In Malanville, unofficial paths, corruption and the emergence of new markets dominate. Whereas in Lolo, corruption, the use of unofficial land routes and the emergence of new markets are central. Furthermore, socio-cultural ties have emerged as a crucial element in the resilience of trade networks, facilitating the continuity of trade and strengthening local economic stability.

Key words: adaptation strategies, border crisis, Niger valley.

Classification JEL : F20, N50, Q10, Q20.

Paper type : Empirical Research