Enhancing Market Integration: A Value Chain Governance Analysis for Women Farmers in Nigeria

{ "background": "Women farmers in Nigeria face persistent barriers to market access and equitable participation in agricultural value chains, limiting their income potential and broader rural development. The governance structures of these chains are critical yet under-analysed determinants of their inclusion.", "purpose and objectives": "This study analyses the governance modes within key horticultural value chains to identify specific mechanisms that constrain or enhance market integration for women. It aims to quantify the relationship between governance types and key performance indicators for female producers.", "methodology": "A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a survey of 385 women farmers across three states with semi-structured interviews of 42 chain actors. Governance was analysed using the Gereffi et al. framework. The impact was assessed using a multinomial logistic regression model: log\((Governance = k)/P(Governance = baseline)\) = \β0k + \β1kX1 + ... + \βnkXₙ + \ε, with robust standard errors clustered by cooperative.", "findings": "Market governance, characterised by spot markets and low buyer support, predominated (68% of cases) and was strongly associated with lower farmgate prices and higher post-harvest losses for women. Conversely, relational governance structures, though less common, increased the likelihood of women accessing premium markets by a factor of 3.2 (95% CI: 1.8 to 5.7). A key theme was the role of informal women's collectives in mitigating the risks of hierarchical governance.", "conclusion": "The form of value chain governance is a decisive factor shaping economic outcomes for women farmers. The prevalence of less supportive governance modes systematically disadvantages them, while more coordinated forms facilitate better integration.", "recommendations": "Policy should incentivise lead firms to adopt more relational governance practices. Development programmes must strengthen women's collectives to act as intermediary governance entities and advocate for contract transparency.", "