Empowering Smallholders: A Review of Market Channel Strategies for Profitability in Nigerian Rice Farming

Abstract

The many market channels that Nigerian smallholder rice farmers have access to are examined in this review paper, along with the major determinants that affect their choices. This study summarises the body of research to give a general overview of traditional or local markets, farmer cooperatives, direct marketing, contract farming, and agricultural value chains as possible marketing channels. This is done in recognition of the important role that smallholder rice farming plays in rural livelihoods, food security, and poverty reduction in Nigeria. The research also identifies and examines important elements that influence farmers' choices of market channels, such as buyer access, pricing transparency, bargaining leverage, quality standards, infrastructural limits, financial constraints, and market knowledge. This paper intends to assist smallholder farmers, policymakers, and development practitioners in optimising market channel selection strategies for improved income generation, market access, and sustainable rice cultivation in Nigeria by providing insights into the opportunities and challenges related to each channel.