Analysis Of The Competitiveness Of High Quality Cassava Flour Value Chain In Imo State, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the competitiveness of the High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF)Value Chain in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; describe the socioeconomic characteristics of HQCF value chain players in the study area, examine the composition as well as functions of the stakeholders in the chain, identify and examine the effect of policies on the HQCF in the study area, assess the factors which influenced access to credit by stakeholders in the HQCF value chain , ascertain the level of awareness and perceived relevance of HQCF in the study area, estimate the cost and returns as well as profitability of the various stages of the HQCF value chain, evaluate the market share and hence competitiveness of HQCF in the study area, identify the marketing channels and the marketing strategies of HQCF in the study area and identify the constraints militating against the competitiveness of HQCF in the study area. The null hypotheses of no significant differences in profitability amongst the three key value chain players and no significant relationship between socioeconomic factors/ loan conditions and access to credit by HQCF value chain stakeholders were tested.. Data were collected from 61 cassava producers, 18 HQCF processors and 32 HQCF marketers selected from Owerri agricultural zone with the aid of 3 sets of questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using percentages, means, cost and return analysis, profitability indices, logistic regression model, Policy Analysis Matrix, Market share index, and functional analysis of the value chain. The hypothesis was tested using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results obtained showed that the majority of the actors studied were married, within the age bracket of 35-44years, attained formal education and had household size of 4-6 persons. Males dominated the cassava production stage while women engaged more in flour processing. The functional analysis showed that most of the stakeholders played more than a role along the chain implying that linkages are strong enough for cost minimization. From the results of the logistic regression analysis, collateral (X3),interest rate (X4), information about credit lending institutions (X5), membership of cooperative society(X6) and gender (X8) were significant at 1% probability level. The result showed that decrease in the interest rate is likely to increase access to credit among HQCF value chain stakeholders in the study area. Out of the 13 perception statements on the perceived relevance of the HQCF, 10 statements representing 76.9% scored above the expected mean of 3.0 thus showing that value chain stakeholders in the study area are favourably disposed to the HQCF. The processing stage of the chain recorded the highest gross margin while the production stage gave the highest return on the amount invested. The bulk of the flour is presently sold to local consumers and advertisement a marketing strategy widely recognized and proven as the magic formula for market expansion is given little attention. The null hypothesis regarding differences in the profitability of the stakeholders was rejected following a calculated F ratio of 66.0 which was significantly higher than the critical value.Also, the logistic regression analysis for Hypothesis 2 showed that socio-economic characteristics of the stakeholders as well as the loan conditions significantly influenced their access to credit at 1% α-level. The study concluded that the HQCF value chain though relatively underdeveloped, is competitive and should be given the needed attention Therefore, it was recommended that government should employ necessary measures to intensify the implementation of the cassava flour inclusion policies and provide adequate incentives in order to ensure that the HQCF gains a significant share of the market ultimately geared at a price competitive HQCF industry.