Determinants of Rural Household Participation in the Cashew Nut Value Chain in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed rural households' participation in the cashew nut value chain in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 297 rural households across two senatorial districts. Frequency counts, percentages, and multivariate probit multiple linear regression were used to analyse the data. Results showed overall medium participation ( = 3.12), with high participation in production ( = 4.32) but medium participation in processing ( = 2.18) and marketing ( = 2.87). Households held favourable attitudes ( = 3.59), particularly recognising income potential ( = 4.15) and growth opportunities ( = 3.65). Severe constraints such as pests and diseases ( = 2.46), poor transportation/storage ( = 2.28), expensive energy costs (𝑥̅ = 2.24), seasonal income fluctuations ( = 2.24), and high input costs ( = 2.23) were identified. Regression analysis revealed that monthly income (β = 0.00001), extension contact (β = 0.121), farming experience (β = 0.002), and cooperative membership (β = 0.039) positively influenced participation. The study recommends strengthened pest management, infrastructure investment, affordable energy provision, expanded extension services, cooperative strengthening, and reform of government programmes.