PERCIEVED CONSTRAINTS TO SOYA BEAN VALUE ADDITION AMONG PROCESSORS IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examines the perceived constraint to soya bean value addition among processors in Gombe state, Nigeria. This study mainly used primary data. This study has the objectives of determining the socioeconomic factors that influenced the choice of technologies used and the constraints to small scale soybean processing firms. Using well-structured questionnaire, multi stage random sampling technique was used to select 240 soya milk and soya cake processing firms in three (3) agricultural zones of Gombe State. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of percentages, mean, frequencies and Likert scale type (strongly agreed, agreed, disagree and strongly disagree with assigned nominal value of 4, 3, 2, and 1 respectively, were used to assessed the constraints in the soya bean value addition. In assessing the cut of points for decision, any item that received a mean score of 3.0 was regarded as serious constraints. The study found that the age, household size. Lack of capital, lack of credit facilities, inadequate power and water supplies, high and multiple taxation were constraint to soya bean processing in the study area the factors that the processors experienced as constrain in soya bean processing at an average rating of 3.5% for soya milk and soya cake on a 4-point Likert rating scale respectively. Further it was showed that there was significant difference in the participation of men and women in soybean processing into soya cake and soymilk. Provision of credit facilities, granting of tax incentives and provision of adequate power and water supply to soybean processors were some of the policy recommendations proffered. It is therefore necessary that various stakeholders and government to encourage and mobilized male to actively participate. This will boost soya bean processing and value addition; High governmental levies and taxation is hindering the soya bean value addition and processing. It is therefore necessary for the government to waiver for soya bean processing and value addition.