Quantification and traceability of mango by-products in the Hauts-Bassins and Cascades regions of Burkina Faso

Abstract

This study provides a regional analysis of mango by-product generation and traceability in the Hauts-Bassins and Cascades regions of Burkina Faso. Through field surveys conducted in samples of 89 processing units and stakeholder mapping, the study quantifies the volume and flow of mango residues and identifies key stakeholders and bottlenecks in the post-harvest chain. Although traceability practices remain largely manual, the study identifies opportunities for digital integration and the added value of utilizing by-products in agro-industrial applications. A total of 52,691 tons of fresh mangoes were processed, primarily from seven varieties. Five types of by-products were identified, with peels, kernels, and sorting waste being the most prevalent. These by-products represented 49.66% of the total processed mango mass. Most by-products were discarded indiscriminately, with only minimal portions allocated to livestock feed (1%) and agriculture (2%). Physical analyses conducted in drying units and laboratories revealed that processing methods significantly increased by-product generation, resulting in pulp losses of up to 31.8%. These results provide a foundation for optimizing the utilization of mango by-products in Burkina Faso through technological innovations. The findings support strategic planning for sustainable resource management and lay the groundwork for the future deployment of traceability systems in tropical agricultural contexts.