Beyond Production: Employment Dynamics in Nigeria's Horticultural Value Chains

ABSTRACT Employment along Africa's agri‐food value chains is central to economic development, yet research has primarily focused on farm‐level production. This study examines off‐farm employment patterns and drivers across two rapidly expanding horticultural value chains (tomatoes and green leafy vegetables) in two economically and culturally distinct regions of Nigeria. Using data from over 3000 micro, small, and medium‐sized enterprises spanning five off‐farm segments, we provide a rare node‐disaggregated analysis of labor use. We investigate the variation in employment generation by gender, region, and market factors, and the substitutability of casual and permanent labor. Findings reveal that both value chains provide significant employment opportunities, and casual and permanent labor are generally complements. However, hiring decisions and labor complementarity/substitutability vary by gender, location, and market conditions. Rather than focusing exclusively on business creation, employment strategies should support the growth and competitiveness of horticultural MSMEs across the value chain. Policies should recognize the interdependence of value‐chain segments while targeting nodes and regions with the greatest potential to generate both permanent and casual employment opportunities.