Determinants of Value addition to Plantain among small-scale Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract

Value addition has been reported as a panacea for poverty among small-scale farmers. However, the factors that determine its use among plantain farmers are unclear. Therefore, this study focuses on the variables that affect plantain value addition among small-scale farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. Using a three-stage sample procedure, a structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 120 plantain farmers—44 value adders and 76 non-value adders. Descriptive statistics and the Heckman two-stage model were used to analyze the data. The majority of the plantain value adders (70.5%) were female, whereas the majority of non-value adders (81.6%) were male. About 56.8% of the value adders processed plantain into plantain flour, while 29.6% were engaged in the production of both roasted plantain and plantain chips. The Heckman two-stage model's outcome showed that the decision to add value to plantain is influenced by the availability of processing equipment, gender, farm size, access to training, and proximity to market while the amount of value added to plantains was positively influenced by processing equipment, farm size, education level, access to training, and plantain output. The study further revealed that poor processing facilities, inadequate finance, and a low level of awareness (mean = 3.6) were the most identified constraints faced by the farmers. The study therefore recommends that farmers should endeavor to process plantain flour, as it is seen to be more profitable and economical.