ASSESSMENT OF COST AND RETURNS AMONG RICE VALUE CHAIN ACTORS IN KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

The study analysed cost and returns among rice value chain actors in Kebbi State, Nigeria. The study employed multi-stage sampling techniques in the selection of 400 rice value chain actors from eight (8) Local Governments Areas within the four agricultural zones of the state. Primary data were sourced through field survey with the aid of well-structured questionnaire. Farm budgeting was used in data analysis. The result of cost and return indicated that farmers generate revenue of (N2.0) followed by the input suppliers (N1.8), then processors (N1.7) while the marketers had the lowest (N1.5) for every one naira invested. It can be concluded that rice input supplying, farming, processing and marketing activities were all profitable in the study area. It is therefore recommended that Youth should be encouraged to go into rice value chain activities as it was found to be profitable, and this will go a long way to add to their income as well as reduce food insecurity in the country.