Functioning of Urban Food Markets in The Western Plateau Region of Togo, West Africa

  • Authors

    • Biré Kemedou Pélagie Kolou Center of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (CERViDA-DOUNEDON), University of Lome, Lome 01BP1515, Togo and Research Laboratory on Spaces, Exchanges and Human Security (LaREESH), University of Lomé, Lomé 01BP1515, Togo
    • Pélagie Koffi Adjalo Center of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (CERViDA-DOUNEDON), University of Lome, Lome 01BP1515, Togo and Research Laboratory on Spaces, Exchanges and Human Security (LaREESH), University of Lomé, Lomé 01BP1515, Togo
    • Kossiwa Zinsou- Klassou Center of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (CERViDA-DOUNEDON), University of Lome, Lome 01BP1515, Togo and Research Laboratory on Spaces, Exchanges and Human Security (LaREESH), University of Lomé, Lomé 01BP1515, Togo
    • Jérôme Chenal Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Center of Urban Systems (CUS), Ben Guerir 43150, Morocco
    https://doi.org/10.14419/hda2w598

    Received date: October 8, 2025

    Accepted date: December 11, 2025

    Published date: January 9, 2026

  • Use about five keywords or phrases in alphabetical order, separated by a Semicolon

  • Abstract

    Urban food markets play a strategic role in food supply, economic stability, and the promotion of local produce in Togo. This study analyzes he functioning of urban food markets located in the western part of the Plateaux region. A methodology based on documentary research, ‎data collection, and data processing was adopted. A total of 150 food traders were surveyed in urban markets across four prefectures in the ‎study area, representing 51.72% of the target population. The results reveal that the structure of these markets influences their operation. ‎Strong competition is observed in the Amou-Oblo market, while it remains moderate to weak in Adéta, Badou, and Agou-Gadzépé. Institutional barriers are limited, except in Adéta. Furthermore, restricted access to credit, tax inequalities, and the lack of and poor condition of infrastructure hinder the commercial efficiency of these markets. To cope with these constraints and optimize their operations, traders adopt various strategies, including price negotiation, overloading vehicles, rigging measuring instruments, and resorting to alternative financing. The ‎functioning of these markets remains limited, hindering their role in urban food security. The results of this research will form an essential ‎basis for the development of public policies aimed at addressing the dysfunctions of urban food markets and sustainably consolidating food ‎security in urban areas‎.

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  • How to Cite

    Kolou, B. K. P., Adjalo , P. K. ., Klassou , K. Z.-., & Chenal, J. . (2026). Functioning of Urban Food Markets in The Western Plateau Region of Togo, West Africa. International Journal of Accounting and Economics Studies, 13(1), 85-100. https://doi.org/10.14419/hda2w598