Trade networks in West Africa: a social network approach

Walther, Olivier

doi:10.1017/s0022278x14000032

Cited by 67 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 41 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…Rather than a recognised professional occupation, brokers occupy a position that can vary according to the kind of information or resources conveyed by the network. The structural definition of brokers significantly differs from the one commonly found in the African studies literature (Walther, 2014), which regards brokers as a specialised institution whose aim is to work between buyers and sellers on a market (Brooks, 1993;Little, 1992). In their study of the Hausa trade, for example, Grégoire and Labazée (1993, p. 22) identify a number of socially recognised status (such as courtiers, rabatteurs or coxeurs), which all work at facilitating business transactions.…”

Section: Social Network and Economic Performancementioning

confidence: 88%

Business, Brokers and Borders: The Structure of West African Trade Networks

Walther

2015

The Journal of Development Studies

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The objective of this paper is to show how a formal approach to networks can make a significant contribution to the study of cross-border trade in West Africa. Building on the formal tools and theories developed by social network analysis, we examine the network organisation of 136 large traders in two border regions between Niger, Nigeria and Benin. In a business environment where transaction costs are extremely high, we find that decentralised networks are well adapted to the various uncertainties induced by long-distance trade. We also find that long-distance trade relies both on the trust and cooperation shared among local traders, and on the distant ties developed with foreign partners from a different origin, religion or culture. Studying the spatial structure of trade networks, we find that in those markets where trade is recent and where most of the traders are not native of the region, national borders are likely to exert a greater influence than in those regions where trade has pre-colonial roots. Combining formal network analysis and ethnographic studies, we argue, can make a significant contribution to the current revival of interest in cross-border trade in the policy field.

show abstract

Section: Social Network and Economic Performancementioning

confidence: 88%

Business, Brokers and Borders: The Structure of West African Trade Networks

Walther

2015

The Journal of Development Studies

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The Waama and the Gourmantche belong to the Gur language family (CENALA 2003). The Zerma living in Northern Benin are migrants from Southern Niger (Dosso, Tillaberi), engaged in the trade of cereals and manufactured products (Walther 2014). The Zerma belong to the Songhay language group that is considered to be unrelated to any other known language or language group (Muhammad 2016).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Drivers of Management of Spider Plant (Gynandropsis gynandra) Across Different Socio-linguistic Groups in Benin and Togo

et al. 2018

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

We investigated the relationships between the cultural importance of spider plant (Gynandropsis gynandra), a neglected leafy vegetable in West Africa, and the different management regimes of the species among six socio-linguistic groups in Benin and one in Togo. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 428 respondents. Cultural significance and management indices were used to quantify the importance of the species for each respondent. In addition to food uses, G. gynandra was used to cure 42 different diseases. A regression tree analysis revealed that the cultural importance and level of management of the species were strongly associated with ethnicity, gender, and to a lesser extent to age, education, income, and land tenure. Socio-linguistic groups with similar cultural background had convergent perceptions of the cultural importance of the species and described similar management practices. An analysis of farmers' willingness to change their current management practices revealed that migration, market opportunities, and external intervention might significantly affect future management decision-making processes. We discuss community-oriented approaches to upscale the species cultivation in the region. Our study highlights how cultural importance influences current and future management intensity and illustrates how ethnobotanical research can guide research for development strategies to enact positive changes in communities' management of traditional leafy vegetables.Nous avons étudié les relations entre l'importance culturelle du Caya blanc (Gynandropsis gynandra), un légume-feuille négligé en Afrique de l'Ouest, et les différents régimes de gestion de l'espèce au sein de six groupes socio-linguistiques au Bénin et un au Togo. Des entretiens semi-structurés ont été menés auprès de 428 informants. Des indices d'importance culturelle et de gestion ont été utilisés pour quantifier l'importance de l'espèce pour chaque informant. En plus des utilisations alimentaires, G. gynandra a été utilisé pour soigner 42 maladies différentes. Une analyse par arbre de régression a révélé que l'importance culturelle de l'espèce était fortement associée à l'ethnicité et au genre, et dans une moindre mesure à l'âge, l'instruction, le niveau de revenu et le mode de faire-valoir de la terre. Les groupes sociolinguistiques culturellement proches ont eu des perceptions convergentes de l'importance culturelle de l'espèce et décrit des pratiques de gestion similaires. Une analyse de la volonté des agriculteurs de modifier leurs pratiques de gestion actuelles a montré que la migration, les opportunités de marché et l'intervention extérieure pourraient affecter les futurs processus décisionnels de gestion. Nous avons discuté des approches axées sur la communauté pour améliorer la production de l'espèce dans la région. La présente étude souligne comment l'importance culturelle influence l'intensité de la gestion actuelle et future et illustre comment la recherche ethnobotanique peut guider les stratégies de recherche pour le dévelo...

show abstract

“…The regulations governing border crossings in Africa are one example of such non-codified information, which enables traders to negotiate regulatory obstacles and conduct business with representatives of the authorities responsible for border checkpoints (Titeca, 2012;Lamarque, 2014;Niang, 2013;Cantens and Raballand, 2017). The business communities present in border cities enable traders to share their business experiences and develop a set of informal standards that make their activities possible and profitable (Walther, 2015(Walther, , 2014aKoné, 2015).…”

Section: Urban Density and Growthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Population and Morphology of Border Cities

2019

West African Papers

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The West African Papers explore African socioeconomic , political and security dynamics from a regional and multidisciplinary perspective. They seek to stimulate discussion and gather information to better anticipate the changes that will shape future policies. The series is designed for a wide audience of specialists, development practitioners, decision makers and the informed public. Papers are available in English and/or French, and summaries are available in both languages. Initiated by the Sahel and West Africa Club (SWAC) to highlight and promote West African issues, the work presented is prepared by its Secretariat, Members and partners, other OECD departments, related international organisations, associated experts and researchers.

show abstract

Trade networks in West Africa: a social network approach

Cited by 67 publications

References 41 publications

Business, Brokers and Borders: The Structure of West African Trade Networks

Business, Brokers and Borders: The Structure of West African Trade Networks

Drivers of Management of Spider Plant (Gynandropsis gynandra) Across Different Socio-linguistic Groups in Benin and Togo

Population and Morphology of Border Cities

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About