SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE AND CONSTRAINTS OF MORINGA OLIEFERA VALUE CHAIN ACTORS IN KANO AND KATSINA STATES, NIGERIA

Yakubu, S., A. and Sadiq A., S
Volume 14 Issue 1

Abstract

This study investigates the socio-economic profile of moringa oliefera value chain actors and identifies the key constraints affecting seedling raising, leaf production, processing, marketing, and consumption in Kano and Katsina states, Nigeria. Findings reveal a pronounced gender disparity, with men dominating seedling and leaf production (100% and 87% in Kano; 88% and 73% in Katsina), while women are more involved in artisanal processing (66% in Kano; 59% in Katsina). Cooperative membership is high across the value chain, enabling access to credit and inputs, yet extension services are largely limited to production activities. Educational levels remain low among producers compared to consumers, and age distribution indicates that older farmers dominate moringa cultivation. Constraints identified include inadequate seed availability (38.6%), high seed costs (22.8%), limited land and spacing (15.8%), pest infestations such as Noorda blitealis (27%), and insufficient storage facilities (21%). Processing faces issues such as poor sorting (42%), substandard raw materials (34%), and inadequate drying facilities (24%). Industrial processing is hindered by low capital investment (64%), irregular raw material supply (18%), and inadequate shading (18%). In marketing, inadequate capital (69%), lack of awareness (14%), and weak regulatory oversight are critical barriers. Consumption is constrained by poor sorting (30.8%), seasonality (30.1%), hygiene issues (20%), poor packaging (13%), and ineffective regulations (6%). These findings highlight the need for integrated interventions, including improved input supply systems, gender-inclusive initiatives, post-harvest infrastructure, extension services, and consumer awareness programs, to enhance moringa’s value chain performance and market potential. Keywords: Moringa, Constraints, Producers, Marketers, Processors, Consumers, Kano, Katsina.

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