VALUE CHAIN

This study examined the value chain addition of Parkia biglobosa (African locust bean) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, with emphasis on its processing, packaging, transportation, profitability, and contribution to livelihoods. A total of 120 respondents, comprising traders and processors, were randomly and purposively selected from eight major markets across two Local Government Areas (Oredo and Egor) namely Ekiosa, Oba, Agbado, New Benin, Uwelu, Uselu, Oliha, and Ogida. Primary data were obtained through structured questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data were sourced from relevant literature. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and simple cost and return methods. Findings revealed that 97.5% of respondents were female, with the majority (75%) having at least secondary education and over 13 years of experience in the trade. The most preferred product was the fermented locust bean (iru), processed using traditional methods. Gross margin analysis indicated that processed products were significantly more profitable than raw seeds, yielding a net return of ₦3,004.11 per kg compared to ₦786.79 per kg from raw seeds. This translates to a profit margin of 52.3% for processed products and 47.7% for raw seeds, underscoring the economic advantage of value addition. However, the study identified major challenges such as inadequate transportation (mean = 3.22), high market levies (3.51), poor access to ready markets (3.11), and limited awareness of value-added opportunities (3.41). Despite these constraints, Parkia biglobosa remains a vital source of livelihood and nutrition, particularly due to its rich vitamin A content, which supports eye health and general wellbeing. The study concludes that improving processing efficiency, adopting modern packaging techniques, and strengthening distribution channels will significantly enhance the profitability and competitiveness of Parkia biglobosa. It recommends entrepreneurial investment in branding, cooperative marketing, and value-added innovations such as powdered iru or ready-to-use condiments, which will boost income generation and promote the wider use of this indigenous, health-enhancing product

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health crisis, significantly driven by antimicrobial misuse in livestock production, with the meat value chain serving as a primary route for resistance transmission to humans. This study employed a descriptive design involving a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the emergence, spread and management of AMR in meat products' value chain in Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 100 participants were used, including livestock farmers, meat sellers/distributors, meat processors, suya vendors, veterinary doctors and meat consumers, drawn from the three Senatorial Districts of Edo State using a stratified random sampling technique. Data collected were coded and analyzed using the IBM SPSS (version 27, 2025). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondents’ characteristics and key study variables. Inferential analyses were employed, incorporating chi-square testing to explore associations between categorical variables. Results revealed a 61% awareness of AMR but poor understanding of resistance mechanisms, with 16% unable to name any antimicrobial drug. A critical attitude-practice gap was evident.