Producer and Consumer Focus Group Discussion Transcripts on Fonio and Jute Mallow in Atacora, Benin

This dataset comprises cleaned and transcribed focus group discussion (FGD) data collected from producers and consumers in the Atacora region of Benin. The discussions explored production practices, varietal choice, seed sourcing, farm characteristics, consumption preferences, affordability, seasonal availability, and personal food environment drivers for fonio and jute mallow. Producer FGDs captured socio-demographic characteristics and detailed insights into agronomic constraints and decision processes, while consumer FGDs focused on consumption frequency, varietal preferences, factors influencing accessibility, and adaptation strategies. Findings are intended to support qualitative analyses of value chain dynamics, household consumption behavior, and demand attributes for underutilized crops in rural West Africa. Methodology:Data were collected through qualitative focus group discussions conducted in the communes of Boukombé and Natitingou, Atacora Department, Benin. Trained facilitators led sessions with 6 to 8 participants per group, ensuring gender balance and representation of small to medium producers and diverse consumer profiles. Discussions were audio-recorded and complemented by detailed field notes capturing non-verbal cues. Participatory tools such as seasonal calendars and four-cell analysis matrices were used to stimulate discussion on seasonality, crop availability, and production-consumption relationships. Sessions lasted up to 90 minutes and were conducted in appropriate local languages with translation support where necessary.