Value Chain Analysis and Assessment of Export Potentials for Acha from Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

There is increased interest in the development of agriculture in Sub-Sahara Africa due to the role they play in increased income and sustainability of rural economies. Value chain had been identified as a very important means of understanding the operations of a sector with a view of strengthening the system, and understanding the context for enhanced productivity for local and international markets. acha is a crop with immense potentials and is receiving immense attention, nevertheless the immense potentials of acha is not replicated with corresponding as regards technological innovation by development and funding agencies and other stakeholders. Value chain analysis of the sector especially in a state like Plateau State, North Central Nigeria reputed for acha farming is undertaken. Research instruments are iinterviews, questionnaires and document reviews were also conducted to provide data for the research., while analysis was done using value System Analysis, SWOT analysis, Competitive diamond analysis and strategic and operational productivity analysis.  The research concluded that there is a growing world demand for acha without a corresponding increase in production capacity to meet that demand. Value chain actors for Acha in Plateau State do not have the capacity to expand and meet local demand and venture into exports, in view of this, there is the need for government and development partners involvement in the acha value chain in Plateau State to support, strength, enhance and prepare the value chain for international markets.