AGRIBUSINESS STRATEGIES FOR MITIGATING RISKS IN THE TOMATO VALUE-CHAIN: FROM SOKOTO FIELDS TO MARKETS

Abstract

This study examined the risks, attitudes, and management strategies of 100 tomato value chain actors (45 farmers and 55 marketers) aged 30-60 years in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select respondents An interview schedule was used for the data collection, while descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The socioeconomic results reveal that all the respondents were male, mostly middle-aged (mean of 42 years), married. About 72% of the marketers are members of cooperative associations while none of the farmers were members. About 67% of the farmers and 33% of the marketers have a secondary occupation. Results revealed that farmers predominantly encountered pests and diseases infestation (mean score 5.00), yield variability (mean score 4.69), and price instability (mean score 4.69) as major risks. Marketers, on the other hand, cited perishability (mean score 4.98), price instability (mean score 4.96), and payment defaults (mean score 4.84) as critical challenges. While pest and disease control, crop diversification, and income diversification were common among farmers, marketers primarily relied on price negotiation, improved storage, and efficient transportation. The study concludes that enhancing extension services, promoting cooperatives, and improving infrastructure are crucial to mitigating risks and boosting the tomato value chain's sustainability in Sokoto.