PRODUCTION CONSTRAINTS AMONG SMALLHOLDER ROSELLE PRODUCERS IN SELECTED STATES OF NORTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the constraints limiting roselle production in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, involving the purposive selection of the three states and selected Local Government Areas based on the intensity of roselle production. A total of 195 roselle producers, comprising 138 males and 57 females, were randomly selected for the study. Primary data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and the Garrett Ranking Technique (GRT). The findings revealed that roselle production in the study area were predominantly male dominated, with male adults and youths constituting the majority of producers, while female participation remained relatively low. Most of the producers were married, had attained at least secondary education, belonged to cooperative societies and operated as smallholder farmers with considerable farming experience. The Garrett ranking results identified the high cost of farm inputs as the most severe production constraint across the study area. Other major constraints included insecurity and the unavailability of improved roselle varieties, whereas labour scarcity was ranked as the least severe challenge. The study concluded that these constraints significantly limit roselle productivity in the study areas. Consequently, the study recommended improving producers’ access to affordable farm inputs, strengthening cooperative societies to enhance collective action and market participation and expanding access to agricultural credit and institutional support services for roselle producers.

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