2019
Start of the partnership with Fert and establishment of a local agricultural advisory system
Urmag – Vegetable Growers of the Gbêke Region
Organizing more effectively to produce market high-quality vegetables
ANNUAL BUDGET :
190,000 €
Context
Vegetable farming is an important source of income for farmers in Gbêkê, an agricultural region in central Côte d’Ivoire. Thanks to the availability of land and its proximity to the Bouaké market, food crops and vegetable production are well developed in the region. Since 2019, a partnership has been established between URMAG, a union of vegetable-growing cooperatives, and Fert to improve farming practices and increase farmers’ incomes.
Partnership Objectives
- Improve the technical and economic performance of vegetable growers
- Facilitate better access to production factors, including inputs and irrigation equipment
- Develop effective marketing systems
Key moments
Our Impact
19
URMAG members FOs supported
426
active members, including 25% women
357
tonnes of vegetables sold collectively
Key Results in 2025
✦ 350 farmers supported in marketing their products
✦ +10% increase in tomato yields and +15% increase in onion yields
✦ 200 tonnes of vegetables marketed
✦ 51.4 million FCFA in cumulative turnover, approximately €78,500
✦ 38 lead farmers and 18 active marketing representatives
From dependence to independence
“As farmers, we had difficulties selling our produce because we had no access to information on market prices and little opportunity to interact with potential buyers. Personally, I sold my products to only two women from one of the local markets in Bouaké, and I had very little choice because they sometimes lent me money to buy inputs. Not only did they buy my produce at very low prices, but the amounts I received did not always add up correctly, and I often lost money.
URMAG’s marketing service eventually opened our eyes. We are now able to negotiate prices with buyers because we receive information on prices from different markets. The price calendar and crop-planning calendar have helped us choose better planting periods so that our produce is ready for sale at the most favorable times, allowing us to obtain better prices. Today, I earn a better living. I invest more in vegetable production and was able to buy a motor pump to replace my watering can. I have expanded my cultivated area. Being a member of URMAG has given me greater credibility and opened up access to other markets.”
