An Assessment of Ageing Workforce and Gender Disparity Among Wheat Value Chain Participants in Jigawa State, Nigeria

This study examined age and gender composition of wheat value chain in Jigawa State, Nigeria.. Data analysis across farmer, assembler, wholesaler, processor, and retailer categories reveals a concerning trend: a dominance of experienced workers (31-43 years old) and a dearth of young adults (18-30 years old). This age gap signifies a potential threat to the value chain's long-term viability and innovative capacity. Furthermore, a stark gender influence is identified, with nudes overwhelmingly represented across most sectors. Processing is the only sector with significant female participation (32.62%), while other stages exhibit complete female absence. This gender disparity highlights potential underutilization of human capital and limitations on overall sector efficiency. The findings underscore the need for multifaceted interventions to address these challenges and cultivate a more inclusive and future-oriented Jigawa State wheat value chain.