VALUE ADDITION CHALLENGES AMONG SMALL-SCALE TEA FARMERS IN SARDAUNA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This research work analysed value addition challenges among small-scale tea farmers in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. It specifically looked at the value chain activities of the small-scale tea farmers, factors influencing tea value addition, sources of information and constraints to addition of values to tea. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 110 respondents for this study. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using frequency distribution, percentage, mean, standard deviation and Probit regression. The results revealed that the major value addition activities (Production) undertaken by the respondents were land preparation (89.1%), tea planting (88.2%), tea pruning (87.3%) and pest and disease control. Also the major value addition activities (Processing) undertaken by the respondents were storing tea leave (81.8%), drying of tea leave (80.9%), oxidation and steaming (79.1%) and harvesting (73.6%). Factors influencing tea value addition among small-scale tea farmers are household size and extension contact. The majority of tea farmers (45%) got their information from family and friend. Lack of tea processing ( = 2.7000), lack of finance ( =2.6182), low market demand ( = 2.5455), low yield ( = 2.5364) and high cost of transportation ( = 2.4364) were major problems hindering tea value addition. There is need by Stakeholders to embark on ways and means that would empower tea farmers through the provision of modern equipment and infrastructure through cooperative formation by pooling resources together than waiting on government to achieve their goals.