Published studies to date have suggested that seed-yam (Dioscorea rotundata) production in Nigeria using minisett (similar to 0.025 kg) technology or an adapted form of the technology using larger setts (0.08 to 0.1 kg) was not profitable. But these studies were often conducted under artificial conditions where labor inputs may have been inflated. This paper describes the results of a question-naire-based survey designed to explore the economic performance of seed-yam producers in the Ilushi hinterland area of Nigeria, along the western bank of the River Niger. It is the first economic study of this important source of seed yam. Farmers in this area specialize in seed-yam production via two techniques: the use of small whole tubers (0.05 to 0.1 kg) and setts (cut pieces of tuber) of 0.12 to 0.15 kg. Results suggest that seed-yam production is profitable in the area using both systems, with gross margins (revenue costs) of between Naira 23,395 and 61,375/ha (or US$175 to $458/ha).

An investigation into the seed yam supply chain was carried out to identify the components of commercial seed yam supply systems, which affect the supply of clean seed yams by smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Up to 108 respondents were used to generate data for the analysis. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to capture the mean ratings across the supply chain, while the Z - statistic was used to test for factors that influence seed yam traders' marketing strategies and extent of performance of marketing functions in the delivery of clean seed yams to farmers. The results of the analysis identified seed yam producers, collector agents (sometimes called yam traders or yam dealers), wholesalers and retailers as the main actors in seed yam supply within and outside the lowland belt of River Niger in Nigeria. The collector agents act as cartel and occupy a central position in the entire supply chain process. They act as intermediaries between farmers and wholesalers especially where farmer groups do not exist and provide a major distribution network or market linkage for the marketing of the seed yams. The study identified pests attack and disease infestation (24.0%), physical injury on the seed yams (65.1%), poor knowledge of seed multiplication techniques (39.4%) short shelf life of the tubers (33.2%), activities of cartels, deplorable road and poor proximity to market (45.5%) as the factors that affect consumer preference and efficient delivery network in the seed yam supply chain. The research also identified poor business practices including sharp practices, lack of trust and confidence amongst major actors (wholesalers and retailers), insufficient working capital (76.3%), amongst others as the factors militating against efficient seed yam supply chain.

Nigeria is the largest rice producing country in West Africa, but is also one of the largest importers of rice in the World. Rice production in the country is characterized by a supply-driven production system that is rooted in subsistence model of farming. A commodity value chain development approach was recently put into use in the past two years to transform the rice agribusiness sub sector to satisfy consumer preferences in Nigeria. The model has been. The value chain approach is built on the efficiency of private-led business development encapsulated in a market-led model that drives input linkages and best agronomic practices. The model involves the production of high premium rice paddy, willingness of major input dealers to provide agro-chemicals to the farmers at affordable prices, use of private sector-led extension delivery system, project responsiveness to emerging opportunities including the establishment of spray-men, and appropriate use of improved agronomic practices. All inclusive participatory methods in project implementation further shaped the success of the intervention. Three major rice processing firms which provided a sustainable market outlet for the farm produce from a total of 4000 farmers were involved in the process. Investigations indicate that about 53% of the farmers were formed into farmers' cooperative groups and linked to a credit institution. The farmers (69%) adopted the package of practices on their farms and achieved an average yield of 4.9 tons per hectare, as against national productivity average of 1.7 tons/ha. Female farmers (71.4%) produced an average of 6.2 tons/ha. Two major rice processing firms generated a total gross revenue of USD1,017,162 while 34 newly established processing enterprises generated income valued at USD855,843 in 2006. Over 300 young people were gainfully employed as agrochemical sprayers. This paper therefore shows that a market-led demand-driven agricultural development approach by high value commodities can lead to efficiency in the agricultural sector and generate the employment for idle youths.