ABSTRACT

 This study was on the analysis of constraints by smallholder farmers in the agribusiness value chain in Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: (i) describe the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents; (ii) identify and analyze the constraints confronting small holder farmers in the study area; (iii) estimate the determinants of participation among smallholder famers in agribusiness operations; (iv) determine the factors that influence the accessibility of high value markets in the supply chain, and (v) make recommendations based on the findings. The study collected its data by the use of a set of questionnaire obtained the respondents, drawn from the three agricultural zones. One hundred and sixty respondents and questionnaire were given out but 120 had complete responses. The remaining ones were either not returned or had incomplete responses. Effectively 120 were used for the data analysis. Objective (i) and (ii) employed descriptive statistics, while (iii) and (iv) employed probit model. The results showed that males were in the majority posting 68% of all the respondents, those with the WAEC certificate were in the majority with 35% followed by those with the FSLC. Eight seven percent of the respondents were from 52 years and above while those between 41-50 years followed accounting for about 7 percent (6.67%) Household size of between 11-15 persons were about 44%, followed by those with 6-10 persons that accounted lor 42%. Their constraints include no access to modern farming implements, no access to irrigation, extension support services amongst other things. Age of the farmers, male gender, household size, distance, ownership of transport means, membership of society, output and extension contact were the determinants of market participation among the smallholder farmers while, age, distance, ownership of transportation, membership of society, extension contact and availability of storage facilities were the factors that influence the farmers access to agribusiness supply chains. Furthermore, markets should be cited closer to the farmers with adequate infrastructure including storage facilities to help boost addition of value to farmers produce.