Economic Impact of Yam Value Chain in Nigeria

This study analyzed the profitability and marketing margins obtained by actors at various nodes of the yam value chain; and examined the organizations of the value chain, linkages among the key actors as well as the challenges faced by actors in the value chain in Nigeria using Baruteen Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State as a case study. 120 respondents consisting of 40 producers, 20 processors, and 60 sellers were selected through a three-stage sampling technique and were interviewed accordingly using structured questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed with; descriptive statics, statistics budgetary, marketing channels and Chi-Square analyses. Findings revealed significant difference in the net income of the value actors, with the processors having the highest share 3,558,63statistics

0, followed by the marketing agents 1,426,497 and the least 26,773.34 by the producers. Marketing margins also differed markedly among the actors. Sellers had the highest marketing margin per kg of yam. The identified constraints affecting yam value chain were high cost of production, inadequate market information, storage facilities, transport facilities, record keeping, and unfavourable government policies. The study recommends the need to scale up level of awareness in the value chain among smallholder farmers.