Within UMR ART-Dev, Konan Samuel Ahoudjo explored the impact of collective action on food value chains in Africa.
Konan Samuel Ahoudjo, researcher at UMR ART-Dev (Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement).
Thesis defended in 2025 at the doctoral school École doctorale Economie Gestion de Montpellier (2015-.... ; Montpellier).
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
Agricultural systems in sub-Saharan Africa face complex challenges, including food insecurity and low productivity. These issues, which affect millions of people, are exacerbated by fragmented value chains and structural constraints that hinder economic development. In this context, collective action emerges as a promising strategy to strengthen coordination among small producers, who often represent the majority of farmers in this region. Indeed, this thesis by Konan Samuel Ahoudjo highlights the different forms of collective action and their impact on food value chains, focusing on the rice sector in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, two countries where rice cultivation is crucial for food security and rural development.
The study identifies three types of collective actions: horizontal, vertical, and transversal. Each of these forms plays a distinct role in improving the economic performance of small producers. For example, informal mutual aid groups in Côte d'Ivoire often prove to be more effective than formal organizations. These groups not only help reduce labor costs but also provide access to credit, which is essential in an environment where financial resources are limited. They also offer a conducive framework for transforming financial resources into agricultural investments, thereby promoting better productivity. This raises questions about the relevance of formal organizational structures in a context where trust and proximity are major assets.
The results of this research show that factors such as strong leadership, clear administrative boundaries, and appropriate support are crucial for the success of collective actions. For instance, a charismatic leader can mobilize members of a cooperative and create a sense of belonging, which is essential for the sustainability of the organization. However, the effectiveness of these actions varies according to the type of organization and the local context. In Ghana, for example, water user associations have diverse network structures, allowing for more effective management of water resources, while in Côte d'Ivoire, cooperatives rely on trust-based resource exchange networks, which fosters solidarity among members.
The practical implications of these results are numerous. Recommendations from this thesis include the need to strengthen the capacities of collective organizations, simplify administrative registration processes, and develop policy frameworks tailored to the varied contexts of small producers. This raises questions about how policymakers can support these initiatives to maximize their impact on food security and economic development. For example, training programs could be established to help leaders of these organizations acquire management and negotiation skills.
In summary, collective action appears as a strategic pathway to transform food value chains in sub-Saharan Africa. Policymakers must take these dynamics into account to develop effective policies that support small producers and promote sustainable and inclusive agriculture. This also involves recognizing the diversity of local contexts and adapting interventions accordingly. By integrating the lessons learned from this research, it is possible to create an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration, which is essential for addressing the challenges of food insecurity and low productivity in the region.
Access the full study
Sources and Access
Konan Samuel Ahoudjo. Collective actions and transformation of food value chains in Sub-Saharan Africa : insights from the rice value chains in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Economics and Finance. Université de Montpellier, 2025. English. ⟨NNT : 2025UMOND013⟩. ⟨tel-05329111⟩