Postharvest Preservation and Marketing Practices of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) in the Bagga Valley in the Tahoua Region, Niger

This study examines postharvest preservation and marketing practices of potato (Solanum tuberosum) producers in the Bagga Valley, Tahoua region of Niger. Based on survey data collected from approximately 200 farmers across selected municipalities, the study combines descriptive statistics with a binary logistic regression model to identify the determinants of storage adoption and examine prevailing market practices. Results reveal that only a limited proportion of producers practice storage, mainly due to inadequate storage infrastructure and limited access to improved storage technologies, resulting in a relatively short storage duration averaging about 30 days. The econometric analysis shows that cultivated area, farming experience, access to agricultural inputs, and membership in producers’ organizations significantly increase the likelihood of storage adoption. Despite a high level of cooperative membership, marketing channels remain dominated by intermediaries, limiting farmers’ bargaining power and income opportunities. These constraints contribute to market saturation at harvest and price volatility. The findings suggest that investments in decentralized storage facilities, farmer training, and rural infrastructure are essential to improve potato value chain efficiency, enhance producers’ incomes, and support sustainable agricultural development in the Sahelian context.