Functioning of Urban Food Markets in The Western Plateau Region of Togo, West Africa

Abstract

Urban food markets play a strategic role in food supply, economic stability, and the promotion of local produce in Togo. This study analyzes he functioning of urban food markets located in the western part of the Plateaux region. A methodology based on documentary research, ‎data collection, and data processing was adopted. A total of 150 food traders were surveyed in urban markets across four prefectures in the ‎study area, representing 51.72% of the target population. The results reveal that the structure of these markets influences their operation. ‎Strong competition is observed in the Amou-Oblo market, while it remains moderate to weak in Adéta, Badou, and Agou-Gadzépé. Institutional barriers are limited, except in Adéta. Furthermore, restricted access to credit, tax inequalities, and the lack of and poor condition of infrastructure hinder the commercial efficiency of these markets. To cope with these constraints and optimize their operations, traders adopt various strategies, including price negotiation, overloading vehicles, rigging measuring instruments, and resorting to alternative financing. The ‎functioning of these markets remains limited, hindering their role in urban food security. The results of this research will form an essential ‎basis for the development of public policies aimed at addressing the dysfunctions of urban food markets and sustainably consolidating food ‎security in urban areas‎.