EXPLORATIVE STUDIES OF VALUE-CHAIN ACTORS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AGENDA STAPLE CROP PROCESSING ZONE (SCPZ) INITIATIVE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The study reviewed the proposed Staple Crop Processing Zone (SCPZ) strategy under the on-going Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) in Nigeria, identified the intended stakeholders and their roles, assessed the value chain actors' perceptions on options for attracting agri-business investments to the SCPZs, ascertained their productivities, capacity utilization and returns on investments of key value chain actors. To reach its inferences, the study employed descriptive and stakeholder analysis, undertook productivity and net returns analysis on investments and assessment of capacity utilization of processing mills. The study concluded that productivities, net returns and capacity utilization of intended value chain actors under the SCPZs are still below potentials and recommended amongst others, the enactment of enabling laws for effective implementation of the SCPZ strategy, especially laws guiding agri-business engagements among value chain actors; operationalize effective financial and insurance linkages as currently being proposed under Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL); amend the Land Use Act No. 6 of 29th March, 1978 to allow for unfettered access to use of land within the targeted 15 zones.