Value-added analysis of selected underutilized indigenous vegetables in Southwest Nigeria

The recent recall of the importance of underutilized indigenous vegetables in human nutrition and income generation, justify the need to identify the actors and understand their current value addition activities so as to be able to improve on the various value-added activities along the chain. A multistage sampling technique was used to survey 378 respondents along the selected underutilized indigenous Vegetables (Telfairia occidentalis, Solanum macrocarpon, Amaranthus viridis, Solanecio biafrae) value chain (UIV-VC) in Southwest Nigeria. A well-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and value-added analysis. The results identified producers and marketers (collectors, wholesalers, sedentary retailers and mobile retailers) as the main UIVs-VC actors. Form, place, space and information were the value-added activities carried out by the chain actors, although these activities were still rudimentary. The average Value-added along the selected UIV-VC as a result of value-addition activities for T. occidentalis, S. macrocarpon, A. viridis and S. biafrae were ₦33.35, ₦16.73, ₦20.15 and ₦26.25, respectively, per kilogram. Along the VC of the selected UIVs, sedentary retailers incurred the highest value addition cost (₦49.47, ₦46.18, ₦36.35 and ₦30.49, for T. occidentalis, S. macrocarpon, A. viridis and S. biafrae, respectively) and value-added share (38.76, 33.04, 33.70 and 46.29%, for T. occidentalis, S. macrocarpon, A. viridis and S. biafrae, respectively). We conclude that it is necessary to add value to the commodity in the “form” in which it is being marketed to increase income that is generated along the VC.