Mapping linkages among actors in the millet value chain in Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the linkages of the actors along the value chain of pearl millet. Multistage sampling procedure was used to draw 367 millet value chain actors from three Local Government Areas of Borno State who formed the respondents of the study. Structured questionnaires were administered to the sampled respondents for primary data collection. Commodity flow map was used to depict the structure of the flow of millet from one actor to the other as well as frequencies and percentages for summarizing and better presentation of data. The results revealed that varied quantities of millet passes from the producers to the marketers who also distribute to the processors and consumers. The flow map indicated an indirect marketing structure by which the producers use commissioned agents through whom 80.2% of the millet grains they supply goes to the wholesalers. By the structure, the wholesalers, retailers and assemblers were price makers while the producers were relegated as price takers. The final linkage show processors and consumers obtained 56.9% and 49.1% of the grains from the retailers, respectively in smaller units which form the final outlet of the millet grains before being transformed into edible products. It was concluded that the distributive functions of marketing of millet was shifted to the intermediaries as a result they control the millet market and may gain more than the millet farmers. The study recommended that pearl millet producers should form cooperatives so as to sell their grains collectively and enjoy the benefits associated with collective bargaining.