KONAN N’Guessan Ysidor^{1, 2,}, KOFFI Eric- Blanchard Zadjéhi^{1, 2}, SORO Koulotioloma¹, CISSE Mohamed¹, YAO Saraka Didier Martial^{1, 2}, BIEGO Godi Henri Marius³, DIARRASSOUBA Nafan^{1, 2}

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a common crop produced in numerous regions over the world and is one of the most consumed vegetables. In Côte d’Ivoire, the onion sector is dominated by large-scale annual imports to meet the consumers’ demand. The current work aims to fill data relating to the trade and consumption of onions in large urban areas such as Korhogo, northern Côte d’Ivoire. Investigations at field were achieved from onion traders and consumers regarding their social profile and the main factors involved in the acquisition, marketing and uses of onions. The survey revealed the involvement of more women (80%) in the onion trade than men (20%). Onions sold in the market are imported according to 60% traders. The marketed onions are mainly yellow and purple varieties according to respective 51.90% and 38.05% traders. However, purple onion is the most preferred according to 70.01% consumers. In addition, onions are largely used in fresh form (86.67% consumers) and more consumed in sauces (37.92% respondents) and grilled foods (32.09% respondents). The investigation in onion trade and consumption fills significant data to be considered in the development of sustainable onion sector in Côte d’Ivoire.

Onion sector, trade, consumption, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire