DETERMINANTS AND PROFITABILITY OF SMALLHOLDER SOYBEAN FARMERS’ PARTICIPATION IN EXPORT MARKETS: EVIDENCE FROM DAWANAU INTERNATIONAL MARKET, KANO STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1004-4687Keywords:
Smallholder, Exportation, Profitability, Market, ParticipationAbstract
Smallholder integration into export markets remains a critical This study examines the determinants and profitability of soybean farmers’ participation in export markets in Kano State, Nigeria, with a specific focus on the Dawanau International Market, one of the largest grain aggregation centers in West Africa. A primarily quantitative approach was adopted, complemented by qualitative insights used to refine the survey instrument. Data were collected from 97 soybean farmers, comprising 54 export participants and 43 non-export participants. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and a Binary Logistic Regression model grounded in Random Utility Theory were employed for analysis. The descriptive results show that export-participating farmers are relatively younger (36.59 years) and earn higher average incomes (₦1,251,912.36) compared with non-export farmers (41.15 years and ₦901,367.23). Export farmers also travel shorter distances to aggregation centres (16.73 km versus 26.13 km) and exhibit greater access to credit (0.83 versus 0.47), extension services (0.55 versus 0.39), and improved seed varieties (0.66 versus 0.34). Profitability analysis indicates that soybean production is profitable in both channels, but export participation yields higher returns, with revenues of ₦971,381 per hectare compared with ₦854,134 for non-export markets. Logistic regression results reveal that household size, income, access to credit, extension services, and improved seed adoption significantly increase the likelihood of export participation, while distance to aggregation centres reduces participation. Strengthening rural services, improving credit access, and investing in infrastructure would enhance smallholder integration into export markets and support Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
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