Organization of fishery supply and market structuring in the San Pedro Department (southwestern Côte d’Ivoire)

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Résumé

Small-scale fisheries play a central role in the coastal economy and food security of Côte d’Ivoire. Yet the concrete organization of local fish markets remains poorly documented at the micro-territorial scale. This study analyzes fishery supply organization and market structuring in the San Pedro Department, using field surveys conducted with 29 small-scale fishers and 49 fish distributors in San Pedro and Grand-Béréby. The results show differentiated market structures across the two localities. Grand-Béréby has a relatively multi-segmented market combining marine species (92%), freshwater species (77%) and crustaceans (46%), whereas San Pedro is more strongly polarized around the marine segment (75%). Economically, the findings reveal a clear hierarchy among species. Shrimps occupy the highest value segment, with median selling prices ranging from 5,750 to 7,000 CFA francs/kg and relative margins of 33 to 35%, markedly above those of common marine fish. In addition, the observed mismatch between the high frequency of crustacean catches and their low visibility in local markets suggests differentiated marketing channels oriented towards higher-value outlets. These results provide empirical evidence on small-scale fish markets at the micro-territorial level and offer a basis for fishery development policies adapted to local market specificities.

Mots-clés

small-scale fisheries, fish market, market structuring, San Pedro Department, fisher income