ACTIVITIES OF CASSAVA VALUE CHAIN ACTORS IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study analysed the activities of cassava value chain actors in Taraba State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 210 respondents for this study. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. The results of this study revealed that most of the respondents were engaged in cassava production (75%) and processing (61.7%) to satisfy their family needs in terms of home consumption and to generate some income. A family labour was the major source of labour for the cassava value chain stakeholders. The majority of cassava producers (54.4%), processors (48.3%) and marketers (60.0%) got their information from mass media. The result shows that cassava producers source their planting material from their own farm 55%, the cassava products produce by the cassava producers are sold at the town market 50%. The result also revealed that 68.3% of cassava processors use the cassava product from their own farms, The cassava processor processed the cassava and sold the processed cassava product to consumers 53.3%. The result shows that 50% of cassava marketers obtained the cassava product they sale from their own farms, the major buyer of cassava product from the marketers are the consumers 60%. The result show that high input cost (92.2%), inadequate extension staff visitation (88.3%) and lack of processing equipment (93.3%) are the major constraints facing cassava value chain actors. Cassava local varieties, traditional method of cultivation and processing were in use in Taraba State. Taraba State Government should increase the number and frequency of extension officer visits to cassava farmers, processors, and marketers to improve knowledge transfer, especially on modern cultivation and processing technique.