Cassava value chain as instrument for economic growth and profitability in Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2026-03-28
Journal Title
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Publisher
Faculty of Agriculture, South Valley University (SVU), Egypt
Abstract
Cassava is a staple crop widely consumed across African households, with the majority of tubers produced used locally in traditional meals. This study examines the value chain of cassava in Kwara state, focusing on producers, processors, and marketers. Using a multistage sampling technique, data were collected from these key actors and analyzed through descriptive statistics, mean rating analysis, and gross margin calculations. Findings reveal that 75%of cassava farmers are males, while 95% of both processors and marketers are females. Most respondents possess formal education, predominantly at the secondary level. Among producers, mechanization is limited primarily to tractor use, with minimal adoption of other technologies such as planters and harvesters. Processors commonly use traditional tools like graters, pressers, cutters, and pounders, but few have integrated modern equipment like fryers and peelers. Marketers lag further behind in technology adoption; only a small fraction utilize the internet for information access and advertising, and most do not employ packaging logos or improved transportation methods. Economic analysis indicates gross margins of ₦1,020,000 for producers, ₦60,000 for processors, and ₦20,000formarketers, highlighting cassava farming as the most profitable segment within the value chain. However, respondents face significant challenges including limited access to credit, high labor, input costs, and inadequate extension services. Cassava farming is profitable, processors and marketers require enhanced financial and technical support to increase their profitability. Targeted education on adopting improved technologies, improved access to credit facilities, and strengthened government extension services to provide technical assistance is therefore recommended
Description
Keywords
Cassava, Economic growth, Profitability, Value chain
Citation
BELEWU Kafayat Yemisi, IBRAHIM Hussein Kobe, OLANIYAN Abimbola Rokibat, OLUWADARE Olusegun Akinola, BELLO Kamoru Atanda, and MUHAMMEDSherifat Mojisola (2026). Cassava value chain as instrument for economic growth and profitability in Kwara State, Nigeria. SVU-International Journal of Agricultural Science. Volume 8 Issue (1) pp.: 233- 246,