Tradeoffs between domestic and imported cereals in Senegal : a marketing systems perspective

The public sector role in the assembly of local millet, sorghum, and maize is carried out by the Food Security Commissariat, while the Price Stabilization Board is responsible for the assembly of locally produced hulled rice, the imports of rice and sorghum, and the licensing of wheat imports. Aspects of private marketing assessed in this study include: (1) the respective roles of day traders and wholesalers; (2) storage capacity; (3) transport costs and facilities; (4) financing; and (5) the extent and nature of state intervention. The study indicates that private wholesale trade is playing an important role in meeting government goals of providing market outlets to grain producers and assuring supplies of grain to consumers in deficit areas. Overall, findings indicate that for local cereals, officially specified margins do not cover costs of assembly, transport, storage, and financing for an average trader. (Author abstract, from PN-ABQ-372)