ABSTRACT

The broad objective of this study was to analyze the intra-sectoral linkages of stakeholders in cassava-based agribusiness industry in Abia State. However, the following. specific objectives were considered in the study to: examine the linkage and the linkage pattern between the cassava processors. input agencies and farmers: determining factors affecting the linkage between fairs and cassava-hased processors: and fbctors affecting the linkage between fabrics and input agencies in the study area. The data For this work were collected using structured questionnaires and oral interviews. Six local Government Areas were studied using multi-stage random sampling method. The results were analysed using simple 'lescriptive statistics. regression model and maximum likelihood destination method. Prom the result, it as found that the farmer processor level of linkage was positively related to income from cassava enterprise, access to credit, farmers distance to processors and negatively related to farming experience. On the other hand processor - farmer level of linkage (i.e. the backward linkage) was related positively to price offered per kg of cassava b processors and to the quantity of cassava bought from the farmers by processors and negatively related to distance of processors from the farmers.. Moreover, the descriptive statistics of flexors affecting farmers and input agencies level of linkages showed farm size, level of farmers education, access to credit, distance of farmer to input agency and. income from cassava enterprise were the factors affecting the level of the link, It was therctbre recommended that Government should improve the educational level of farmers through UBE programme. provide improved varieties of cassava to farmers adequately, teach processors strategies of processing most cassava products and encourage private sectors to site agro-industrics and input agencies close to the farmers. These therefore will enhance the level of linkage exhibited by the stakeholders n cassava industry in the study area.