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1 CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF CAMEROON CATUC - BAMENDA FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF PROJECT DESIGN, MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION A VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF THE COMPETITIVENESS OF RICE PRODUCED IN NDOP PLAIN BY FUH GEORGE CHEO Matriculation No. 56411 A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration in Project Design, Management and Implementation Supervisor Dr SAMA NKWAIN Associate Professor, CATUC- Bamenda. FEBRUARY, 2014

NDOP RICE VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS(1)(1)

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CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF CAMEROON CATUC - BAMENDA

FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF PROJECT DESIGN, MANAGEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

A VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF THE COMPETITIVENESS OF

RICE PRODUCED IN NDOP PLAIN

BY

FUH GEORGE CHEO

Matriculation No. 56411

A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree

of Master of Business Administration in Project Design, Management and

Implementation

Supervisor

Dr SAMA NKWAINAssociate Professor, CATUC- Bamenda. FEBRUARY, 2014

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CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF CAMEROON BAMENDA, CAMEROON

CERTIFICATION OF AUTHENTICITY OF STUDY

I the undersigned, FUH GEORGE CHEO, hereby certify that this thesis is the fruit of my

research on A VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF THE COMPETITIVENESS OF

RICE PRODUCED IN NDOP PLAIN under the Supervision of Dr. SAMA NKWAIN,

Associate Professor in the School of Tropical Agricultural and Natural Resources of the Catholic

University of Cameroon, Bamenda.

I further testify that this work is authentic and has never been presented for the award of a degree

anywhere else.

Name and signature of student

FUH George CHEO

Date -----------------------------

Supervisor Head of Department

Prof. SAMA NKWAIN (PhD), Prof. AKALAGBERE (PHD)

Date -------------------------- Date -----------------------

CERTIFIED CORRECTION FORM AFTER DEFENCE

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This thesis has been reviewed and corrected in conformity with the observations and

recommendations of the jury.

PRESIDENT OF JURY:

Date……………………………….

SUPERVISOR HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

Date……………………. Date……………………..

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DEDICATION

To my lovely wife

Neh Gladys Fusi

&

Kids

Cheo Fusi Brandon and Cheo Suh Audran

For bearing my absence

as a husband & father respectively

during the period of this course

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

For Professor Sama Nkwain (Catholic University), I would like to express my heartfelt

gratitude for his devotion in directing my study. His comments were useful in assisting me in the

completion of my thesis. His supervision was essential in confidence building and enabled me to

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complete this study in a timely manner. I am fortunate to have him as my supervisor. Thank you

very much, Professor Sama.

I am also grateful to the management and Staff of the Upper Nun Valley Development

Authority (UNVDA) Ndop, the staff of the Divisional Delegation of agriculture and rural

Development, Ngoketunjia Division who supported and encouraged me during my research,

especially during data collection. My sincere appreciation goes to all farmers, middlemen as well

as processors who were very cooperative during data collection. I will not hesitate to extend my

thanks to Mrs Dorothy Malaa of the Rice Improvement Project of IRAD Yaounde, for providing

me with valuable information.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my family who provided me the

best conditions to pursue my MBA studies.

May God bless them all.

FUH George CHEO, February 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CERTIFICATION OF AUTHENTICITY OF STUDY.......................................................... iii

CERTIFIED CORRECTION FORM AFTER DEFENCE ....................................................iv

DEDICATION........................................................................................................................v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................. vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................vi

LIST OF TABLES ..................................................................................................................xi

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LIST OF FIGURES.............................................................................................................. xii

LIST OF ABREVIATIONS .................................................................................................xiii

ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................xiv

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study.................................................................................................. 1

1.1.1 Overview of rice production in Cameroon…………………..…………………………1

1.1.2 Overview of rice production in Ndop Plain…………………………………….………6

1.2 Statement of the problem ................................................................................................. 14

1.3 Research questions...........................................................................................................16

1.4 The objectives of the study......................................................................................... …..16

1.5. Significance of the study...................................................................................................16

1.6. Scope and limitation of the study.............................................................................…….17

1.7 Organization of the thesis...........................................................................................…...17

CHAPTER TWO

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Value chain Concept .....................................................................................................…18

2.2 Value chain analysis model.............................................................................................. 24

2.3 Mapping the value chain................................................................................................... 27

2.4 Value chain governance............................................................................................... ….22

2.5 Enabling environment and institutional arrangements…………………………….……29

2.6 Analysis of costs and earnings.......................................................................................... 29

2.7 Distribution of revenue cost and profit……………......................................................... 30

2.8 Agricultural value chain ............................................................................................. …..32

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2.9 Value chain Development................................................................................................ 33

2.10 Competitiveness ...........................................................................................................34

2.11Benchmarking………………………...............................................................................35

2.12 Review of Empirical Studies..........................................................................................36

2.13 Limits of the value chain approach ……….................................................................... 39

CHAPTER THREE

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Method of Data Collection and Analysis….....................................................................40

3.1.1 Method…………………………………………………………………………….…...40

3.1.2 Data collection…………………………………………………………………………41

3.1.3 Data analysis ……….. ...............................................................................................43

CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION OF RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Stages, Actors and Stakeholders of the Ndop rice value chain..........................................46

4.1.1 Ndop rice value chain Stages……………......................................................................46

4.1.1.1 Inputs Supply…. .................................................................................................... 46

4.1.1.2 Farm production…………………………………………………………...................46

4.2.1.3 Collection/Assemblage of paddy rice ………….. ......................................................47

4.2.1.4 Processing………………………………................................................................. 47

4.2.1.5 Marketing (wholesale/retail)………………………………………...................... ….47

4.2.2 Support services…………………………………………………………………...…...49

4.3 Ndop Rice Value chain map; Actors, stakeholders, functions and linkages …………..51

4.3.1 Input suppliers………………………………...………………………………………..53

4.3.2 Producers……………………………………………………………………………….55

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4.3.3 Middlemen……………………………………………………………………………..55

4.3.4 Processors…………………………………………………………………………...…57

4.3.4.1 Activities associated to processing…………………………………………………..59

4.3.4.2 Processed products and by-products…………………………………………………60

4.3.5 Wholesalers and retailers…………...………………………………………………….61

4.3.6 Consumers………………………………………………………………………...…...63

4.4 Ndop rice value chain supporters………………………………………………………..63

4.4.1 Research and Extension Providers…………………………………………………….63

4.4.1.1 Institute of Research for Agricultural Development……………………………......64

4.4.1.2 Ministry of agriculture and Rural Development…………….……………………....64

4.4.2 Upper Noun Valley Development Authority (UNVDA)………………………………65

4.4.3 Ndop Rice Farmers’ Federation……………………………………………………….65

4.4.4 Microfinance Institutions………………………………………………………………66

4.5 Attitude, and practices of value chain actors and stakeholders…………………………66

4.6 Institutional arrangement and enabling environment……………………….…………..67

4.7 Value chain governance and coordination………………………………………………67

4.8 Cost structure and revenue………………………………………………………………69

4.8.1 Production Cost estimate for 0ne hectare of rice ……………………………………...69

4.8.2 Domestic added value, Revenue and profit distribution along value chain……………71

4.9 Benchmarking of performance indicators………………………………………………74

4.9.1 Yield estimates comparison..………………………………….……………………….74

4.9.2 Comparison of prices of white rice from different sources……………………………75

4.9.3 Comparison of Benefit Cost Ratios….………………………………………………...76

4.10 Challenges and opportunities…………………………………………………………..77

4.10.1 Challenges……………………………………………………….……………………77

4.10.2 Opportunities………………….………………………………………….…………..80

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CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusions.................................................................................................................... 81

5.2 Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 82

5.3 Limitations to the Study and Further Research.........................................................…....83

REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................85

ANNEX I: Questionnaires …………………………………………………..……………...90

a) Questionnaire to farmers…………………………………………….…………………. 90

b) Questionnaire for rice collectors /assemblers ………………………………………….92

c) Questionnaire for rice millers…………….…………………………………………….94

d) Questionnaire to wholesalers, retailers………………………………………………….96

e) Questionnaire to consumer………………………………………………………………97

ANNEX II: Ndop Rice cultivation Zones …………………….…………………………….98

ANNEX III: Evolution of Rice yields from various Countries ……………………….........99

Evolution IV: of rice farmers in Ndop..................................................................................99

ANNEX V: Ndop Rice seed producers……………………………………………………100

ANNEX VI: Tables of cost, and added value of actors………………. ………………….101

ANNEX VII Map of the North West Region……..………………………………………..105

ANNEX VIII Relevant information revealed by the value chain actors………………….106

ANNEX VIII Summary of result of focused group discussion…………………………...106

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Evolution of rice production in Cameroon…………………………………………. 1

Table 2: Rainfall and temperature data for Ndop…………………………………………….7

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Table 3: Evolution of Rice farmers’ population…………………..…………………………10

Table 4: Rice farmers and cultivated Areas.......................................................................... 11

Table 5: Distribution of cultivated surface areas………………………………..................12

Table 6: Rice production statistics for Ndop………………………………….................... 13

Table 7: Summary of value chain support services………………………………………. 49

Table 8: Summary of Ndop rice value chain Actors, stakeholders’ functions and output….50

Table 9: Rice seed producers in Ndop………………………………………………………53

Table :10 Fertilizers and pesticide distribution channels and prices……………………….. 54

Table 11: Percentage of Rice production collected by UNVDA…………………………….56

Table 12: Percentage of Rice processed by UNVDA…………….………………………….58

Table 13: Sources of paddy rice purchased by millers……………………………………..59

Table 14: Analysis of activities of millers………………………………………...…………60

Table 15: Products and by-products of Paddy Rice……………………………..…………61

Table 16: Sources of local rice sold by retailers and wholesalers…………………….……62

Table 17: Comparative price analysis for white rice………………………………………..62

Table 18: Consumers’ preference analysis………………………………………. …………63

Table 19: Cost estimate of production of rice on one hectare……………………………….69

Table 20: Domestic added value, revenue and profit distribution…………………………72

Table 21: Comparison of yield estimates…………………………………………...............74

Table 25: Comparison of Price of White rice from different locations……………………75

Table 26: Benefit cost ratio………………………………………………..…………………76

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Rice production trend in Cameroon………………………………………………..2

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Figure 2: Evolution of Rice production, consumption, and imports and yields in Cameroon..3

Figure 3: Rainfall pattern…………………………………...………………….……….......... 7

Figure 4: Map of Ngoketunjia Division…………………………………….………............ 8

Figure 5: Rice farmers trend…………………………………………………….……….......10

Figure 6: Number of rice farmers and surface areas cultivated………………………. …….11

Figure 7: Repartition of farmlands…………………………………………………………...12

Figure 8: Repartition of cultivated and uncultivated areas………………………….……….12

Figure 9: Rice production trends in Ndop plain……………………………………………...13

Figure 10: Basic model of Porter’s value chain…………………………..………….. …….18

Figure 11: Value chain analytical framework………………………………………………..24

Figure 12: Value chain stages for Ndop Rice………………………………………………..46

Figure 13: Value chain mapping of product flow……………………………………………48

Figure 14: Ndop Rice value chain map………………………………………………………52

Figure 15: Trend of rice collection by UNVDA……………………………………………..56

Figure 17: Cost structure for rice production………………………………………………..70

Figure 18: Domestic added value, cost, revenue and profit distribution ……………….…..73

Figure 19: Comparison of yields per hectare……….……………………………….……….74

Figure 20: Benefit cost ratio……………………...………………………………………….77

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ACDIC………Association Camerounaise pour la Défense d’intérêts des Consommateurs

CEDAC………................Center for studies for the Development of Agriculture in Cambodia

CEMAC…………………..Commission Économique et Monétaire d’Afrique Centrale.

CIG..……………………… Common Initiative Group.

DDARD…………………….Divisional Delegation of Agriculture and Rural Development

FAO ………………………. Food and Agricultural Organization.

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IFAD………………………International Fund For Agricultural Development.

IFDC………………………International Finace Development Company

ILO. ………………………International Labour Organization.

NWR………………………North West Region.

RDARD……………………Regional Delegation of Agriculture and Rural Development

UNIDO…………………….United Nation Industrial Development Organization

UNVDA……………………Upper Nun Valley Development Authority.

USDA……………………..United States Department of Agriculture

VAT………………………Value Added Tax

VCA………………………Value Chain Analysis.

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ABSTRACT

This research aims at investigating the competitiveness of locally produced rice through a value chain analysis of rice produced in the Ndop plain. The objectives are (1) to identify and describe the main actors/stakeholders in the value chain (2) to identify and describe their activities with respect to their functions, linkages, attitudes and practices (3) to assess the current costs and earnings of value chain activities, and evaluate the distribution of revenue, cost and profit along the value chain (4) to benchmark key indicators along the value chain to detect performance gaps and (5) to identify challenges (weaknesses and threads), existing opportunities and entry points available for upgrading the value chain.

The value chain analytical frame work was used to understand the various aspects of the rice value chain. Data collection was carried out during the months of October and November 2013. Appropriate primary and secondary data were collected through literature review, interviews using semi structured and structured questionnaires and key informants. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods were employed. System of thematic analysis was used for the data that were collected through focused group discussion, key informant interviews, personal observations and secondary documents. Functional analysis was used to identify the various actors and their roles in the value chain. Partnerships and linkages were analyzed in their historical and contemporary context to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Tools used included chain mapping and actor linkage matrix to depict all activities, actors, and relationships among segments of the chain, and the interactions between producers and intermediaries. The analysis was generally descriptive. Quantitative value chain analysis focused on the amount of money a customer is willing to pay at each stage of the value chain. Fundamental tools for this analysis were the “Production account” and the “Income account” for a given period. Descriptive statistics such as simple measures of means, frequencies, percentages and cross tabulations wereused for the survey data gathered from sampled farmers, middlemen/processors, retailers,wholesalers and consumers. The use of SWOT (strength weaknesses, opportunities, and threads) analysis was also employed.

Research findings showed that the main players in the value chain were the farmers, collectors, processors, wholesaler and retailers who interacted with varying degrees from the supply of inputs to the product attaining the final consumer. The realization of these activities was catalyzed by existing support services that included; extension and training, financial credits, equipment hiring, and input supply. During rice farming, farmers incurred costs on seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, labour, and other miscellaneous items. The highest cost component in production were labour and fertilizers.

While the farmers added the highest value, the millers made the highest profit amongst the value chain actors. Yields obtained in Ndop were higher than those of some countries that export

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rice to Cameroon. Unfortunately, the high cost of production absorbed the gains in yields giving a benefit / cost ratio which is amongst the lowest as compared to other rice producing countries even those with lower yields than Cameroon.

Main challenges and constraints revealed by the study included; the high cost of production, inadequate developed land for rice cultivation, the use of inappropriate processing equipment by local millers, poorly organized markets and inadequate coordination of the activities of value chain actors. The favourable agro-ecology, availability of arable land, the motivating enabling environment, and the existing demand deficit for rice, stood out as opportunities to be exploited.

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CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.1.1 Overview of rice production and consumption in Cameroon

The demand for rice in sub-Saharan Africa in general and Cameroon in particular is

growing faster than for any other grain. Its production and consumption have generally increased

over the years, from a situation of it being eaten occasionally to being a major staple food. The

substitution of rice for other grains and traditional roots and tubers has increased growth in

demand at an annual rate of about 5% (WARDA 2006; Molua 2010). However productivity

remains low. National production in Cameroon is estimated at 100,000 tons of paddy grown on

44,000 ha each year with average household holdings of less than 0.5 hectare. Imports in 2011

stood at 429,864 tons. The state is dependent on international markets for the rice sector while,

paradoxically, potential for domestic production is huge (MINADER 2009). There are,

specifically, favourable natural conditions that are yet to be tapped.

Table 1 Evolution of Rice production in Cameroon

Market Year Production Unit of Measure Growth Rate

2006 40 (1000 MT) 14.29 %

2007 44 (1000 MT) 10.00 %

2008 55 (1000 MT) 25.00 %

2009 77 (1000 MT) 40.00 %

2010 57 (1000 MT) -25.97 %

2011 64 (1000 MT) 12.28 %

2012 61 (1000 MT) -4.69 %

Source: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

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Figure 1: Rice production trend in Cameroon

Source: generated from table 1

Figure 1 indicates that rice production in Cameroon was at its peak in 2009. Since then the

production has been declining with steep drop in 2010. This sitaution can be associated to the

recent global financial crises during which support to production was drastically cutdown.

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Figure 2: Evolution of rice production, consumption, imports and yields in Cameroon.

Source: United state Department of Agriculture - USDA

Figure 2 above indicates that while production is falling, consumption and importation are

increasing. The yields also dropped from 2010, while the area cultivated continue to increase.

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More land came under cultivation. Imports by the country are growing at a rapid pace. Cameroon

imported about 545,000 tons of rice in 2011 worth about CFAF 145 billion (about $300 million),

up about 55% from 350,000 tons imported in 2010 mainly from Thailand, Pakistan, India and

China (USDA, 2012). In addition, ACDIC (2011) statistics indicate that Cameroon imported

over 450,000 tons of rice mainly from Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Burma. Rice is the most

consumed food in all regions of Cameroon, mainly because it is cheap. Total consumption needs

are over 650,000 tons. Production of domestic rice is rising slightly due the government and

donors’ commitment to increase local production through a comprehensive rice strategy that has

the financial support of multilateral donors including the World Bank (WB) and the International

Fund for Agricultural Development (MINADER, 2009). The ambitious rice strategy aims to

eventually replace rice imports by increasing local production from 72,000 tons in 2008 to

627,250 tons by 2018 according to the Cameroon Rice growing strategic paper. However, even

if production increases, this does not mean that consumers will buy local rice. Cameroonian

consumers are used to the quality of imported rice and paying a cheaper price for locally

produced rice. Also, due to the landlocked nature of the rice growing areas, rice produced in the

North is already often transported towards Nigeria where prices are higher and the road

infrastructure in the border is generally in good condition. According to the National Strategy for

Rice Growing in Cameroon, rice consumption is estimated at 25.7 kilogram per person and

growing at annual rate of 4 percent per year.

Rice production in Cameroon has weakness a declined by 21% in the last four years,

from about 77,000 tons in 2009 to an estimated 61,000 tons in 2012. In the same period

consumption of rice in the country has gone up 22% from 377,000 tons in 2009 to an estimated

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461,000 tons in 2012. Rice yield has also declined by about 25% from around 2 tons per hectare

in 2009 to below 1.5 tons per hectare in 2012(USDA, 2012).

Government attempts and international collaboration have failed to improve rice acreage

in Cameroon from current levels of around 65,000 hectares and yields of around 1.6 tons per

hectare. The state is dependent on international markets for the rice sector while, paradoxically,

potential for domestic production is huge (MINADER 2010). There are specifically favourable

natural conditions that are yet to be tapped. The government has not been able to utilize the

available 240,000 hectares of agricultural land for rice cultivation to increase domestic rice

production and help reduce the dependency on rice imports. Though Cameroon is a net importer

of rice, spending 125 billion francs importing rice in 2012 (National Institute of Statistics, 2012).

Cameroon still exports rice to the neighboring Central and West African countries including

Chad, Gabon Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria. With huge population and food insecurity made

worst by the lingering effects of the global financial crisis and climate change, a viable option is

to create food surpluses by increasing land productivity (MINADER 2009).

Upland rice is grown as a mono-crop or as in a mixture with other food crops following the

slash-and-burn shifting cultivation. Rain-fed lowland rice is cultivated following traditional

systems with some minimum application of chemical fertilizer and other agro-chemical. In

irrigated areas, support for farmers with regard to input supply has been greatly reduced. Land

preparation in rain-fed lowland areas is done mostly manually, while that in irrigated areas

animal traction has been introduced. Light tilling machines are also employed in certain areas.

Transplanting is the dominant method of crop establishment in lowland systems. Weeding is

generally done manually. Farmers do not have appropriate tools and equipment for harvesting

and threshing of rice. A number of improved rice varieties have been released for cultivation.

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Millers are also available though the quality of grains remains generally poor due to poor post

harvest handling.

1.1.2 OVERVIEW OF RICE PRODUCTION IN THE NDOP PLAIN

The Ndop rice production basin is found in the North West region of Cameroon.

It is one of the main rice production areas in the country where agriculture is the main

activity occupying about 80% of the population. It has a massive exploitable surface area

of 22,500ha of which only 2984.7 ha are currently being exploited (SEDT 2011). The

soils are ferralitic or hydromorphic and are rich in organic matter and good for rice

production (Ndzeidze 2008).

The Upper Nun Valley Development Authority (UNVDA) is based in this area

and is charged with transforming wetlands (swamps and marshy areas) through drainage

for irrigation purposes. Most Ndop rice farmers are small holders and employ intensive

labour practices in place of mechanization. With huge population and food insecurity

made worst by the lingering effects of the global financial crisis and climate change, a

viable option is to create food surpluses by increasing land productivity (MINADER

2009). Production of rice is carried out alongside other crops like maize, beans and

others. Production of rice is done only for one season, generally starting in June with the

nursery and ending in December with harvest.

Productivity of land used for growing rice is to a large extent determined by soil

and water conditions. There has been rising temperatures and declining rainfall between

2011 and 2012 but since most rice grown in Ndop is swamp, this seems to have had little

impact on yield.

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2. Table 2: Rainfall and Temperature data for Ndop.

Jan Feb March

April

May June July

August

Sept Oct Nov Dec

T° Max. 2012

43.2 43.3 43.2 43.1 43.2 43.2 43.1

48 .1 43.2 43.2 43.1 43.2

T° Max 2011

30.7 37.3 35.9 35 35.5 35.9 35.2

30.9 30.7 32.9 36.3 37

T° Min.2012

13.8 11.5 18.5 19.7 19.3 18.3 17.8

17 17.4 14.5 17.5 15.3

T° Min. 2011

10.3 11.6 12.2 11.6 12.8 12.8 10.5

11 11.1 11.6 10.6 12

Rainfall 2012

0 0 133.5 132.3

177.5

204.1 551.8

124.7

815.2

156.1

56.8 22.7

Rainfall 2011

7 147.5

127 175 392 159 645 370 867 736 44 0

Source: Annual report of DDARD

Table 2 presents rainfall and temperature recorded in Ndop for 2011 and 2012.

Figure 3: Rainfall pattern for (2011, 2012)

Source: Generated from table 2

Figure 6 shows that the rainfall pattern has been consistent for 2011 and 2012 though

lesser amount of rainfall was observed for 2012. This is conducive for rice cultivation

except for its sporadic nature which caused floods in some fields in 2012.

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The cultivation of rice in the Ndop plain can be traced back to the early 60s, this was

enforced in 1970 with the creation of UNVDA in 1970 as a Mission by Presidential Decree No

70/DF/529 of October 29, 1970 and later transformed into a development authority by another

Presidential Decree No 78/157 of May 11, 1978 (UNVDA, 2012). The Upper Nun Valley

Development Authority (UNVDA) is based in this area and is charged with transforming

wetlands (swamps and marshy areas) through drainage for irrigation purposes. Most Ndop rice

farmers are small holders and employ intensive labour practices in place of mechanization.

Figure 4: Map of Ngoketunjia Division

Source: UNVDA Report

Figure 4 is the map of Ngoketunjia Division. It is made up of three subdivisions and is one of the

seven Divisions of the North West Region of Cameroon.

Production of rice is carried out alongside other crops like maize, beans and others.

Production of rice is done only for one season, generally starting in June with the nursery and

ending in December with harvest Rice varieties cultivated in Ndop include; Tox Thianine,

NERICA L 42, and NERICA L 56 (swamp rice) and NERRICA L 3 (Up-land rice). Ndop rice is

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grown in the swampy alluvial Ndop plains in the Ngoketunjia Division in the North West

Province of Cameroon. According to official statistics (MINADER, 2012), rice farming currently

occupies approximately 2,500 hectares involving over 8,500 farmers (of whom approximately

50% are women). Yet, this is less than 25% of the land thought to be available in the plains for

rice farming. Rice farming is split between the developed farms and the traditional

(underdeveloped) farms. The developed farms have been prepared by the government rice

corporation, the UNVDA (Upper Nun Valley Development Authority) which was set-up by the

government of Cameroon for the development of the rice sector in Ngoketunjia (in the

catchments of the Noun River). As such during the UNVDA’s 1977 Land Development

Program, over 2,500 hectares of land was developed (of which 1,800 hectares is currently being

cultivated). The land was cleared and leveled and irrigated by a network of canals sourced by a

dam (UNVDA, 2012). However since 1988 the UNVDA’s role changed and the organization in

its original form was liquidated. As such the infrastructure was neglected and the farmers were

not receiving any technical services. It was only in 2006 that the UNVDA resumed its field work

and training. Yet, the UNVDA is chronically under resourced. 12 UNVDA rice inspectors cover

an area of Approximately 2,500 hectares. In contrast the traditional farms are estimated at 700

hectares or approximately 30% of the area used for rice cultivation (UNVDA, 2012). However,

this is the growth venue within the rice farming activities in Ngoketunjia Division and this figure

does not capture some of the newest farming areas. For the traditional farms, the land is prepared

by the farmers themselves. As such the traditional farms may be lacking in basic infrastructure

such as access roads and a well developed irrigation system. For example, the farmers may

irrigate their fields by breaking the banks of connecting farms to the river and thereby by

flooding the entire area. As such the situations may arise where some fields are dry whilst some

fields are over flooded. Water level fluctuates and in some cases the fertilizers get washed away.

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Furthermore, situations have arisen whereby the river has over flown and broken its banks and

destroyed the farms.

Rice cultivation activities are facilitated in this plain by the existence of means of agricultural

mechanization, transportation facilities (farm roads, farm to market roads) and irrigation and

drainage possibilities especially, with the Bamenjim dam, and numerous rivers and streams that

provide water in the rice fields.

Fertile soils and Favorable climatic conditions, is an asset. Organic soil from neighboring

hills deposited in the plain by erosion water. The amount of annual rainfall is also an advantage.

80% of the population of Ndop is farmers. They benefit from the existence of a large span of

arable land.

1.1.3 Evolution and organizations of rice farming population.

Table 3: Evolution of rice farmers’ population

ProductionYear

Nº of RiceFarmers

2009/2010 108142010/2011 121222011/2012 12303

Source: UNVDA 2013 annual report

Figure 5 Rice farmers- trend

Source: Generated from table 3

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Figure 5 indicates that there was a drastic improvement between 2009 and 2010. This can be

associated to the revamping of the activities of UNVDA. This however slowed down due to the

slow development of land to accommodate new farmers.

The rice farming population is estimated at 12,303 farmers. At the beginning of 2013, 5,755

farmers were organized in 238 Common Initiative Groups (CIGs). This represents 46.78% of

the total population of rice farmers (6,197 men and 6,096 women). This indicates an increase of

5.81% as compared to 2011/2012 farming season. These Common Initiative Groups have formed

05 Unions of CIGs and a Federation.

41.1.4 Evolution of cultivated area and production.

Table 4: Rice farmers and cultivated area

ProductionYear

Nº of RiceFarmers

Surface area Cultivated (ha)

Average Area per Farmer (ha)

2009/2010 10814 2,634.12 0.242010/2011 12122 2,984.7 0.252011/2012 12303 2970,51 0,24

Source: compiled from UNVDA 2012 annual reports

Figure 6: Number of rice farmers and surface areas cultivated

Source: Generated from table 6

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Figure 6 indicates that while the farming population is increasing, the land available remains

relatively constant. There is therefore an urgent need for land development. The farmers own

small holdings with average size of 0.24 - 0.25 hectares which is very low hence farmer cannot

benefit from economies of large scale production. While the number of farmers have been

increasing the average area cultivated per farmer has remained relatively stagnant. This indicates

that the increase in developed land has not been able to lead to increase in area cultivated per

farmer.

Table 5: Distribution of cultivated surface area

Potential available land

Cultivated surface areas (ha)

Developed farm by UNVDA

Traditional farms Total

2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 201215,036.86 ha

1, 303.9 1,351.9 1499 1,330.2 1,299.7 1,471.5 2,634.1 2,651.6 2,970.5

Source: UNVDA 2013 Annual report

Occupation of potential land

figure 7: Repartition of cultivated figure 8: Cultivated and potential area uncultivated surface areas in 2012

Source: Generated from table 7 Source: Generated from table 7

Potential

Cultivated

Developed

Undeveloped

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- Figure 7 shows that there is great need for more developed rice fields as 49.54% of the

surface area cultivated in 2012 is undeveloped land. Farmers are developing more interest

in rice production.

- Figure 8 indicates that a greater portion of land allocated to UNVDA is still to be

exploited (12,029.49ha or 80.20%). Consequently a lot of efforts must be directed

towards land development. For gender distribution there is no significant difference.

UNVDA reports show that female producers constituted 50%, 49%, and 50% for 2010,

2011 and 2012 respectively. There is no gender bias.

Table 6: Rice Production in Ndop plain

ProductionYear

Nº of RiceFarmers

Surface area Cultivated (ha)

Average Area per Farmer (ha)

EstimatedProduction (t)

2009/2010 10,814 2,634.12 0.24 10,5362010/2011 12,122 2,984.7 0.25 14,9232011/2012 12,303 2,970,51 0,24 14900

Source: UNVDA Annual reports

Table 6 shows the evolution of rice farmers, surface area cultivated, average area per farmer

and production estimates.

Figure 9: Rice production trend in Ndop plain

Source: Generated from table 6

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Figure 9 indicates trends for rice farmers, surface area cultivated, average area per farmer and

production estimates from 2009 t0o 2012 farming season. While there was a marked increase in

the number of farmers involved in rice cultivation between 2010 and 2011, form 10,814 farmers

to 12,122 giving 11.8% increase, the situation remains relatively constant between 20011 and

2012 with an increase of 1.5%. This is associated to rehabilitation works started in the rice fields

by UNVDA IN 2010. Close to 350 hectares of land were rehabilitated. Broken dams were

repaired and water canals opened to facilitate water management. Private farmers also carried out

repair works in certain areas.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The strategy for the development of rice production in Cameroon spelt out within the

framework of the National Strategy for the Development of Rice Growing (MINADER, 2009)

seeks to improve the productivity and competitiveness of local rice by supporting the acquisition

of agricultural inputs as well as supporting the processing and marketing of rice (among other

things). Much attention is directed to supporting farmers with large farm sizes. However, little if

anything is known about the various actors/stakeholders involved; their roles and influence on

the efficiency of the various stages of the value chain. This may result in limited realizations in

terms of resource use efficiency and level of exploitation of existing potentials. This is confirmed

by (Molua 2010) concluding in his paper on rice yield response to price “that supplies response

could be enhanced by a policy that is directed towards promoting irrigation technology,

development of market-supporting infrastructure, input incentive package and reduction of

production risks”. Not much is known about the economic factors that affect rice production in

Cameroon. As a result policies are often ineffective, production continues to be low and imports

continue to be very high. If agricultural planning is to involve with the improvement of the

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competitiveness of locally produced rice, it is important that focus should not only be on the

production and productivity but also on the post harvest dimensions and the supportive services

of the value chain by improving on their efficiencies. Given this potential to expand production,

it would seem that there is a good possibility that the growth in the gap between rice

consumption and production could be reversed, and that imports could decline, at least in relative

terms. For it is not at all clear that most of the rice being produced in Cameroon in general and

Ndop in particular can compete with imported rice — not so much in terms of comparative costs

as in terms of quality, availability and other dimensions in which these grains compete.

Considering such huge demand and potential agro-ecology, the state through the Ministry

of Agriculture and Rural Development, the rice development organization UNVDA and various

development organizations, and non-governmental organizations put some effort to introduce

and raise rice production in the area. Yet, farmers are still facing different problems like, input

supply (improved seed and fertilizer), post harvest handling (particularly processing, grading and

packaging), and adapted credit facility. Therefore, this entails a need for more comprehensive

study which will rigorously examine the rice value chain in the study area by investigating its

competitiveness. Value chain is, however, a broad issue. This research, therefore, does not try to

cover all dimensions of the value chain of Ndop rice, but rather it focuses on specific objectives.

The research attempts to identify actors participating in the value chain of Ndop rice, their

functions, roles linkages as well as costs and earnings incurred. The research aims to reveal the

distributions of revenue, costs and profit to different actors in the chain, as well as reasons for

such distributions. The impact of value chain governance, coordination, institutional

arrangements and enabling environment on the competitiveness of the chain will also come

under scrutiny.

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1.3 Research questions

- Who are the main actors/stakeholders in the Ndop rice value chain?

- How do the roles/functions, linkages, practices and attitudes of actors/stakeholders impact

on the competitiveness of the value chain?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

Main Objective

This work aims at investigating the competitiveness of locally produced rice through a

value chain analysis of rice produced in the Ndop plain. Specifically, the purpose is:

To identify and describe the main actors/stakeholders in the value chain.

To identify and describe their activities with respect to their functions, linkages, attitudes

and practices.

To assess the current costs and earnings of value chain activities, and evaluate the

distribution of revenue, cost and profit along the value chain.

To benchmark key indicators along the value chain to detect performance gap and reasons

for such gaps.

To identify challenges (weaknesses and threads), existing opportunities and entry

points available for upgrading the value chain.

1.5 Significance of the study.

This study will lead to an increased understanding of the reasons for inefficiencies

in the Ndop rice value chain in particular and the existing rice value chain in Cameroon

in general. It provides a holistic picture of existing challenges, opportunities and entry

points in the Ndop rice value chain. The information generated could also help a number

of organizations including; research and development organizations, traders, producers,

policy makers, extension service providers, government and non-governmental

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organizations to assess their activities and redesign their mode of operations and

ultimately influence the design and implementation of policies and strategies. It could

also help different actors to identify and analyze new ways of tailoring their strategies.

1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the competitiveness of locally produced

rice through a value chain analysis of rice produced in Ndop plain in Ngoketunjia

Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. Due to constraints in time and financial

resource, the study is limited in its depth and coverage to fully address the issues raised in

the study. Furthermore, Since Cameroon has wide range of diverse agro-ecologies,

institutional capacities, organizations and environmental conditions, the result of the

study may have limitations to make generalizations and make them applicable to overall

country. However, it may be useful for areas with similar context with the study area.

1.7 Organization of the Thesis

With the above brief introduction, the remaining part of the thesis is organized as

follows: Chapter 2 presents review of literature on value chain analysis from different

sources. Subsequently, description of the study area and methodologies are presented in

Chapter 3. In Chapter 4, both descriptive and socio economic results are presented and

discussed in detail. Chapter 5 summarizes the main findings of the study and draws

conclusion and appropriate recommendations.

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CHAPTER TWO

2. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK AND LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 The value chain concept.

Michael Porter in 1985 introduced the value chain analysis as a technique to evaluate the

internal and external business processes as a competitive advantage versus standard financial

metrics (Profit and Loss, Balancesheet, Cash Flow) (Van den Berg et al 2009). The value paid by

the Customer will be greater than the cost of all value added activities resulting in a profit

(Roduner 2004). Cost advantages and differentiation opportunities are analyzed throughout the

value chain to become more competitive (Brown 2009). Kaplinsky and Morris (2000) define the

value chain as “the full range of activities which are required to bring a product or service from

conception, through the intermediary phases of production, delivery to final consumers, and final

disposal after use”.

Figure 10: The basic model of Porter’s Value Chain

Source: adapted from Van den Berg et al 2009

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Figure 10 identifies two types of activities: Primary activities and support activities. Primary

activities include inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, market and sales, and

services. Support activities consist of infrastructure, human resource management, technological

development, procurement and so on.

In the mid 1980s, Porter developed the value chain analysis as an instrument for

identifying the value of each step in the production process (Figure 4). The concept of value

chain is utilized as a conceptual framework that enterprises can use to detect their sources of

competitive advantage. Porter argued that the sources cannot be detected by looking at a firm as

a whole; rather the firm should be disaggregated in a series of activities. Porter identified (1)

primary activities, which directly contribute to add value to the production of goods and service

and (2) support activities, which have an indirect effect on the final value of the product (Van

den Berg et al 2009). The primary activities are: inbound logistics, operations, outbound

logistics, marketing and sales and services. The goal of these activities is to offer the customer a

level of value that exceeds the cost of the activities thereby resulting in a profit margin (Roduner,

2004).

A value chain describes how producers, processors, buyers, sellers, and consumers — separated

by time and space — gradually add value to products as they pass from one link in the chain to

the next(UNIDO,2009). It describes how the Enterprises are linked by a series of business

transactions in which the product is passed on from primary producers to end consumers.

This business model allows defined customers to be reached using a particular technology

and a particular way of coordinating production and marketing between several enterprises. The

value chain describes all the activities that make up the economic performance and capability of

the firm or industry as a whole. It portrays the activities required to create value for customers of

a given product or service (Pitt and Lei, 2006). It is also a frame work by which stakeholders can

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determine the strength and weaknesses of each activity vis-a-vis competitors. The term Value

Chain refers to the fact that value is added to preliminary products through the combination of

other resources. It is therefore the entire series of organizational work activities that add value at

each step from raw material to finished products. The value chain consequently can encompass

“the supplier’s supplier to the customer’s customer” (Robbins et al, 2012). Depending on the

issue of interest, values accruing to different groups of economic actors or to different places can

be estimated (ILO, 2006; Kaplinsky and Morris, 2000). It should be noted that increased

globalization of markets, trade liberalization, advances in information technology, consumer

preferences and improved logistics means that the competitiveness of industries in various

regions and countries, as affected by the performance of their value chains, is becoming

increasingly important and will be even more important in the future. The value chain approach

is helpful for analyzing competitors that share a market position based on similar values and cost

drivers,(Walker, 2009). In the value chain approach, the various components are not examined

independently. Katsioloudes (2006) examines this approach and concludes that rather than

simply looking at the organizations as a whole, the interaction of organizational processes should

also be examined. The objective of increasing productivity compared to competitors is to

carryout intervention mechanism that raises value to the customer or lowers cost and leads to net

improvement on the firm’s market position. Walker (2009) identifies two sets of drivers. These

are the value drivers (technology, quality, delivery, breath of services, and environmental policy)

and cost drivers (economies of scale, economies of scope, low input cost, organizational

practices, and vertical integration). Value chain management then comes in as a process of

managing the sequence of activities and information along the entire value chain. In sum, the

concept of value chain provides a useful framework to understand the production, transformation

and distribution of a commodity or group of commodities with its emphasis on the coordination

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of the various stages of the value chain. Value chain analysis attempts to unravel the organization

and performance of a commodity system. The issues of coordination are especially important in

agricultural value chains, where coordination is affected by several factors that may influence

product characteristics, especially quality. The value chain framework also enables one to think

about development from a systems perspective, similar to the innovation system perspective.

Closely related to the value chain is the value system. Porter in 1988 introduced the ‘value

system’ as an alternative way of approaching the search of competitive advantage (Van den Berg

et al 2009). A value system includes the activities implemented by all the firms involved in the

production of a good or service, starting from basic raw materials to those engaged in the

delivery to the final consumers. The concept of value system is therefore broader compared to

the one of ‘enterprise value chain’ (Van den Berg et al 2009). However, in Porter’s framework,

the concept of value system is mostly a tool for assisting executive management in strategic

decisions. The value chain analysis, according to Porter’s approach, is therefore restricted to the

firm’s level neglecting the analysis of upstream or downstream activities beyond the company

(Fasse et al 2009). A third concept, the “Global Commodity Chain (GCC),” was introduced in

the mid 1990s by Gereffi and others. Gereffi et al (2005) utilized the framework of value chain to

examine the ways in which firms and countries are globally integrated and to assess the

determinants of global income distribution. Global Commodity Chain (GCC) focuses on the

power relations in the coordination of globally dispersed, but linked production systems. Gereffi

and others showed that commodity chains are generally characterized by a leading party or

parties that determine the overall character of the chain. They went ahead to establish four core

elements: (a) input-output structure, (b) territorial (international) structure, (c) institutional

framework, and (d) governance structure. The focus is set on governance referring to

institutional mechanisms and inter-firm relationships (Fasse et al 2009). This concept has been

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applied in the area of quality assurance procedures such as in coffee (Ponte, 2002). Based on

Gereffi’s GCC, Messner (2002) developed the concept of the world economic triangle.

Messner’s concept is based on the assumption that actors, governance and regulation systems

determine the scope of action open to the regions in the global commodity chains. He determines

six critical aspects in an economic triangle as; actor constellations, interests, power structures,

situational mindsets, action orientation and trust. This approach focuses on upgrading entire

regions or clusters through their integration into chains. Thus the economic triangle theory links

horizontal (cluster development) and vertical approaches (value chain) (Roduner 2004). The

global commodity chain concept has also been further developed into the Global Value Chain

Concept reflecting a more dynamic view of chain governance (Sturgeon 2008, Gereffi et al

2005).

Another concept which is similar in some respects to the value chain is that of the

“filiere” (whose literal meaning in French is that of a “thread”). It is used to describe the flow of

physical inputs and services in the production of a final product (a good or a service). There is

essentially not different from the value stream concept of Porter. The ‘filière concept’ targets a

structured understanding of economic processes within production and distribution systems

(Raikes et al., 2000), except that this is limited to national boundaries.

With the concept of value chain, enterprises are no more treated as a single entity but as a

part of an integrated chain of economic functions and linkages across geographic boundaries

(Gudmundsson, et al, 2006). In any value chain, one member is the buyer of the previous

individual and the supplier for the later member. All members of the value chain share the same

purpose: produce final products that satisfy final customers’ needs and requirements. They are

tied up to work altogether in order to attain such purpose, while maintaining their independence.

They work in cooperation for a long time, discuss and solve problems together. Passing through

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the chain, the product gains some value. The chain of activities as a whole gives the product

more added value than the sum of independent activities (Raikes et al., 2000). The value chain

exists if and only if all members in the chain cooperate to deliver maximum value at the least

possible total cost to the end customer (Gudmundsson, et al, 2006).

One question could arise when the value chain is studied: Is the value chain and supply chain

different? Physically they are the same because they both overlay the same network of members

who are tied up with each other to provide goods or services to the final customers. The supply

chain, as the name implies, focuses mainly on the costs and efficiencies of supply. The supply

chain is meant to bring materials into manufacturing operation and finished products to

customers smoothly and economically. The notion that a supply chain must “add value” is trying

to blur the distinction between a supply chain and a value chain (Feller et al, 2006). A supply

chain seeks to match demand with supply using the minimal inventory. The driver behind Supply

Chain Management is to remove inefficiencies, excess costs and excess inventories from the

supply pipeline which extends from the customer back through his suppliers and through his

suppliers' suppliers and so on back (Deveshwar and Rathee, 2010). Various aspects of optimizing

the supply chain include liaising with suppliers to eliminate bottlenecks; sourcing strategically to

strike a balance between lowest material cost and transportation, timely implementing techniques

to optimize manufacturing flow; maintaining the right mix and location of factories and

warehouses to serve customer markets, and using location/allocation, vehicle routing analysis,

dynamic programming and, of course, traditional logistic optimization to maximize the

efficiency of the distribution side whereas, the value chain lays its focus on value generation for

customers. Robbins and Coulter, (2012) summarize this by stating that while the supply chain is

internally oriented and focuses on the efficient flow of incoming material (resources to the

organization, value chain is externally oriented and focuses on both incoming and outgoing

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products and services”. They conclude that “value chain management is effectiveness oriented

and aims at creating the highest value for customers”. Thus, the primary difference between a

supply chain and a value chain is a fundamental shift in focus from the supply base to the

customer (Feller et al 2006).

2.2 Value Chain analysis Model

Value Chain approaches emerged out of a desire to more equitably spread the benefits of

globalization and economic growth. In recent years it has become obvious that while

globalization has brought benefits to developing countries in terms of increased growth and,

often, poverty reduction, it has also brought threats such as increased inequalities between and

within countries (UNIDO, 2007). Value Chain Analysis (VCA) emerged as a new research

technique to answer questions on why this occurs and what constraints face poor people and

places in better contributing to and benefiting from economic growth. Value chain analysis

(VCA) is a method for accounting and presenting the value that is created in a product or service

as it is transformed from raw inputs to a final product consumed by end users (World Bank,

2007).

Figure 11: Value chain analytical framework

Adapted from Kaplinsky R. and Morris M, and modified by Author.ACTORS (Inputs suppliers → Farmers → Traders → Processors → Retailers →Consumers

Extension

services

Transport

ers

Financial OthersResearch

INFLUENCERS (Regulatory framework, policies, infrastructures, etc)

Facilitating services

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Source: Adapted from Kaplinsky and Morris 2002 Source: adapted from UNIDO (2007)

Figure 11 above depicts basically three levels of value chain participants:

UNIDO (2007), brought out three levels of value chain participants as follows:

Value chain actors: The chain of actors who directly deal with the products, i.e. produce,

process, trade and own them. They include input suppliers, producers, collectors, processors,

wholesalers and retailers.

Value chain supporters: They provide services but never really participate directly but their

services add value to the product at a given level of the chain.

Value chain influencers: They include policies, regulatory framework, infrastructures, and the

operating environment.

Any value chain operates in an environment which is formed by the macroeconomic

landscape, policies and regulations, institutional elements and facilitating services (UNIDO 2007).

These elements of the environment, although not directly involving in the production and

distribution, do influence the performance of the value chain. UNIDO (2007) posited that rules and

regulations govern activities of members of the value chain, and that “rules and regulations can

be set up by actors within the chain as in the case where a buyer who requires its suppliers to

provide high quality materials”; or “they can be established by external actors like governments,

NGOs, and other organizations”. Institutional elements may fall into laws, finance, technologies,

human development, standards, property rights, research and development…. Such elements

influence the performance of the value chain. Finally, facilitating services includes transport,

packing, storage, communications, import and export services…. As its name implies, supporting

services facilitate the operation of the value chain. For instance, transportation is an important

key to the fast and on time delivery of goods which is vital in preserving product quality and

value. An efficient transport system can translate to savings in delivery cost, inventory, quality

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deterioration and wastage. Information and communications technology is important in attaining

cost efficiency, responsiveness to consumer’s requirements and reliability in delivering the right

kind of product and volume of product required by the market. All activities performed by

members of the value chain as well as its environment together constitute the value chain

analysis model. The interrelations amongst the various actor and components constitute the

linkages. Value chain analyses are a good way to understand relationships and linkages among

buyers, suppliers, and a range of market actors in between. The participants may not be aware of

the linkages between their operation and other upstream or downstream participants. These

relationships amongst value chain participants can be coordinated to improve the overall

competitiveness of the final product.

As Value Chains describe economic production in a way that is closer to real life, value chain

analysis is better able than traditional economic and social analysis to deal with questions of

equity and income distribution (Kaplinsky, 2000). Value chain analysis also focuses on inter-

linkages within the productive sector. It is able to analyze economic activities that are linked

across different sectors (for example, agricultural production, industrial processing and then

distribution through wholesale and retail services). It is also able to analyze linkages between the

formal and informal sectors, as in real life, economic activity is not rigidly separated (Kaplinsky

and Morris 2000). Importantly, value chain analysis is designed to point out the differing

distribution of power and, consequently, value acquisition across the chain. In this way, the main

barriers or problems that inhibit certain segments in getting more benefits from the chain can be

identified and addressed. In value chain analysis, all inputs and outputs carry forward their

inherited value from the previous stage. The analysis consists of identifying chain actors at each

stage and discerning their functions and relationships; determining the chain governance, or

leadership, to facilitate chain formation and strengthening; and identifying value adding activities

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in the chain and assigning costs and added value to each of those activities (Keyser,2006). The

flows of goods, information and finance through the various stages of the chain are evaluated in

order to detect problems or identify opportunities to improve the contribution of specific actors

and the overall performance of the chain (UNIDO, 2009). Focus is therefore on cost levels at

different stages as a key determinant of international competitiveness. The value that a firm

creates is therefore the profit margin (value created and captured – cost of creating the value =

Margin). By looking at the cost composition at each stage of the value chain and comparing

these costs with world standards, value chain analysis not only shows if the country is

internationally competitive, it also helps identify key stages where costs can most effectively be

reduced.

2.3. MAPPING THE VALUE CHAIN

The value chain analysis starts with the process of mapping out the value chain. Mapping a

chain means creating a visual representation of the connections between businesses in value

chains as well as other market players (ILO, 2009). Making a value chain map is a way of

making what is seen and encountered more easily understood: “A picture is worth a thousand

words” (ILO, 2008). Value chain mapping is meant to provide a broad picture of the value chain

to be studied. “There are many potential dimensions of a value chain which could be included in

the mapping exercise”. “Therefore it is crucial to choose which dimensions are to be mapped,

based on available resources, the scope and objectives of the value chain analysis and the

mandate of the organization” (ILO, 2008).

2.4. VALUE CHAIN GOVERNANCE

Of the three elements of the surrounding environment of a value chain is rules and

regulations. Rules and regulations are the product of value chain governance. The value chain

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has been transformed into an analytical concept in that the various activities in the chain – within

firms and in the division of labour between firms – are subject to what Gereffi has usefully

termed ‘governance’ (Gereffi, 1994). Humphrey (2006) further described it as the definition and

enforcement of instructions relating to what products are to be produced (product design), how

they are to be produced (process controls) and when (timing). Value chains imply repetitiveness

of linkage interactions. Value chains are governed when parameters requiring product, process,

and logistic qualification are set which have consequences up or down the value chain

encompassing bundles of activities, actors, roles, and functions. (Kaplinsky and Morris, 2000).

Governance ensures that interactions between actors along a value chain exhibit some reflection

of organization rather than being simply random (Kaplinsky and Morris, 2000). It also implies

that transactions between actors in the value chain are organized in a system that allows firms to

meet specific requirements in terms of products, processes, and logistics in serving their markets.

As such, it recognizes that power is not evenly distributed. Governance refers to both “official”

rules that address output and the commercial imperatives of competition that influence how

production is structured (ILO, 2008). In fact, governance refers to rules and regulations which

are set up by actors within the chains or by those who lie outside the chain like governments,

NGOs, and ISO organization. These may be as simple as the requirement imposed by

wholesalers that agricultural products be correctly harvested to prevent damage and degradation.

Conversely, they may be as complex as a foreign government’s enforcement of international

standards regarding permissible levels of pesticide residues on imported products. Kaplinsky and

Morris, (2000) proposed how rules and regulation should be categorized. They brought out two

sets of factors which can be used to categorize different types of rules. The first is the extent to

which they are codified. The standards may be set in legal codes, and subject to fines if

transgressed. They may also be internationally recognized, and widely used, even though they

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have no legal basis. This recognition may be less than global, but cover a number of product

markets, or they may be firm specific. The second axis is whether the rules cover products or

processes.

2.5 ENABLING ENVIRONMENT AND INTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT

While support activities are not directly involved in the production and movement of the

product, these activities have critical impact on the efficiency of production and distribution.

Support activities serve as the value chain’s enabling environment. These support activities

include: (1) Policies, Rules, and Regulations, (2) Infrastructure and Enterprise Development

Facilities, (3) Research and Technology, and (4) Socioeconomic and Cultural Considerations,

Policies, Rules, and Regulations, Laws and regulations to govern the standardization of services

(CEDAC, 2008). The commitment of government to value chain development of the agriculture

sector, in general, can be seen from policy directions as contained in its medium term

development program as well as in the number and quality of laws and regulations that tend to

create a business environment conducive for growth in the value chains. These may include

infrastructure and enterprise development facilities, and transportation infrastructure (UNIDO,

2006).

2.6. ANALYSIS ON COSTS AND EARNINGS

After the value chain is mapped, certain aspects of the value chain could be put into analysis

for better insights. Among them is the analysis on costs and earnings. The analysis on costs and

earnings aims to provide a notion on costs incurred by different actors as well as revenues and

profits they earn in return (Bellù, 2013). Costs are classified into variable or fixed costs

(Wonnacott and Wonnacott, 1982). Variable costs are costs that vary in proportion with level of

output. On the other hand, fixed costs are costs that are independent on the level of output. Not

all costs are easily to categorize into fixed or variable costs. Assumptions in some cases are

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therefore needed. However, regardless of which choice is made, consistency throughout the

analysis is required. In the analysis, shares of cost components are exhibited, by which activities

causing exceptionally high cost could be singled out. And by comparing revenues with costs, the

analysis reveals how much different actors earn from their businesses (Bellù, 2013).

2.7 DISTRIBUTIONS OF REVENUE, COST AND PROFIT

The revenue (or retail price) is made up of marketing margins belonging to different

actors in the value chain. Therefore, the marketing margin, showed in percentage, reflects the

distribution of revenue to different chain actors. Marketing margin is the difference between

selling price paid by the next stage and purchasing price paid to the previous stage. Marketing

margin must cover all costs needed to transfer the product from one stage to the next and a

reasonable return to those perform the job (Shepherd, 2007)

Contrary to other business development tools that focus on the internal performance of

businesses (e.g. management), value chain analysis about understands the external networks in

which businesses are embedded (ILO, 2009). Value chain analysis is the process of breaking a

chain into its constituent parts in order to better understand its structure and functioning (United

Nations Industrial Development Organization, 2009). It helps to understand how and where

enterprises are positioned in economic processes. It also helps to identify new business

opportunities and possible leverage points for upgrading solutions (ILO, 2008). The analysis

consists of identifying chain actors at each stage and discerning their functions and relationships;

determining the chain governance, or leadership, to facilitate chain formation and strengthening;

and identifying value adding activities in the chain and assigning costs and added value to each

of those activities. The flows of goods, information and finance through the various stages of the

chain are evaluated in order to detect problems or identify opportunities to improve.

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Another benefit to using Value Chain approaches is that they force stakeholders not only

look at the supply side constraints in a local economy but also at the demand side( World

Bank,2007). The traditional approach to regional development was simply to improve supply

side endowments within a specific territory or productive sector (e.g. infrastructure, human

skills, technology, etc). However markets increasingly have very specific requirements that are

often not known to local stakeholders - hence, their inability to effectively compete. Unless local

enterprises meet market requirements, national and especially international markets will al-ways

remain closed to them (ILO 2007)

Since the value chain concept entails the addition of value as the product progresses from

input suppliers to producers to consumers. The value chain, therefore, incorporates productive

transformation and value addition at each stage. At each stage in the value chain, the product

changes hands through chain actors, transaction costs are incurred, and generally, some form of

value is added. Value addition results from diverse activities including bulking, cleaning,

grading, and packaging, transporting, storing and processing (Anandajayasekeram and Berhanu,

2009). Value chains therefore encompass all of the factors of production including land, labor,

capital, technology, and inputs as well as all economic activities including input supply,

production, transformation, handling, transport, marketing, and distribution necessary to create,

sell, and deliver a product to a certain destination. The final aim is to make the local target sector

more competitive and ensure local value chain operators obtain maximum benefits.

The World Bank (2007) identified indicators that can be used to measure the performance of

a value chain. These include:

1. Cost

2. Time

3. Value added

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4. Productivity

Cost and productivity are the underlying factors in determining the competitiveness of an

industry. Costs encompass both monetary costs (such as raw material costs, input costs, and

utility costs) as well as transactions costs (such as time delays, red tape, and regulatory barriers)

and Productivity is defined as the ratio of outputs to inputs (Coelli et al 2005). Productivity

depends both on the value of products and services (e.g. uniqueness, quality) as well as the

efficiency with which they are produced ((Anandajayasekeram and Berhanu , 2009)).

2.8 Agricultural value chain

By extension of the definition of a value chain, an agricultural value chain can therefore

be defined by a particular finished product or closely related products and includes all firms and

their activities engaged in input supply, production, transport, processing and marketing (or

distribution) of the product or products. One of the prime arguments put forward for value chain

adoption in the agricultural sector is “the reward for responding to increased specificity in

consumers’ demand” (Boehlje et ale 1999). This is because these customers expect quality

control and products with specific characteristics to be available when desired. The process of

cost reduction, risk reduction, inbuilt sustainability, and consumer responsiveness must be

assured.

Value chain analysis is conducted for a variety of purposes. The primary purpose of

value chain analysis, however, is to understand the reasons for inefficiencies in the chain, and

identify potential leverage points for improving the performance of the chain, using both

qualitative and quantitative data (Boehlje et ale 1999). Actors in a typical agricultural value

chain may include input suppliers, producers, itinerant collectors (small and mobile traders who

visit villages and rural markets), assembly traders (also called primary wholesalers who normally

buy from farmers and itinerant collectors and sell to wholesalers), wholesalers (who deal with

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larger volumes than collectors and assemblers and often perform important storage functions),

retailers (who distribute products to consumers), and processors (firms and individuals involved

in the transformation of a product.

2.9 Value Chain Development (VCD)

Value Chain Development (VCD), on the other hand, involves taking all the information

generated by value chain analysis and doing something about it. The ILO (2007) defines VCD as

an improvement of cooperation between stakeholders of a particular sector and the coordination

of their activities along different levels of a value chain. This relates to improvements across the

“five triggers "of:

1) System efficiency,

2) Product quality and specifications,

3) Product cost,

4) Social and environmental standards, and

5) Enabling business environment.

This framework helps to identify opportunities and constraints, across the five issues, faced by

farmers, producers, processors, traders and other businesses at multiple levels along the given

value chain and design interventions to address them. This will include a wide range of

interventions such as facilitating access to cheaper or better inputs, strengthening the delivery of

services, enabling the flow of information, facilitating improved market access, or increasing

access to higher-value markets or value-added products.

While Value Chain Analysis offers a simple participatory way to analyze the potentials and

constraints within prominent economic sectors of the locality, Value Chain Development offers a

strategic way to address the opportunities and constraints facing the productive sectors of the

locality and its producers and businesses (Hobson, 2012)

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2.10 Competitiveness.

Debate continues over the concept of competitiveness. Kagochi( 2007) points out that “no

single measure or definition of competitiveness has gained the universal acceptance of either

economists or management theorists.” There has been a profusion of definitions applied to

different organizational and spatial entities like firms, sectors, industries, regions, and states, and

to other areas such as the balance of payments, market shares, costs, and job creation.

For the nation, competitiveness seems to imply potential to achieve or maintain a high

standard of living based on resource and labor productivity (Enright, et al quoted in Kagochi,

2007). Consequently, there must be efficient allocation of resources and improve productivity.

The competitiveness of value chains depends to an important extent on the development of

business models that link small producers to the global value chain (Pieter van Dijk, 2012).

Productivity and efficiency are often cited as indicators or measures of competitiveness.

Michael Porter in1990 was one of the first to underline the importance of firms’ strategy and

structure in developing their competitiveness (Latruffe, 2010). He went ahead to state that

“competitiveness is revealed by performance indicators such as cost superiority, profitability,

productivity, and efficiency. For a firm, “competitiveness is the ability to produce the right goods

and services of the right quality, at the right price, at the right time (Latruffe, 2010). It means

meeting customers’ needs more efficiently and more effectively than other firms do. The more

value an organization or a firm creates, the more profitable it is likely to be.

Competitiveness in the agricultural sector focuses on the sustained increase in productivity in the

agribusiness sector as the result of better business strategies and improved micro-economic and

macro-economic conditions, (UNIDO, 2009*).

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Measures of competitiveness in the traded sector include firm profitability, the firm's export

quotient (exports or foreign sales divided by output), and regional or global market share

(UNIDO, 2009). In the non-traded sector, competitiveness is the ability to match or beat the

world's best firms in cost and quality of goods or services (Latruffe, 2010). Measuring

competitiveness in the non-traded sector is often difficult, since there is no direct market

performance test. At the industry level, competitiveness is the ability of the nation's firms to

achieve sustained success against (or compared to) foreign competitors, again without protection

or subsidies (Latruffe, 2010). For a nation, competitiveness is defined as: the degree to which it

can, under free and fair market conditions, produce goods and services which meet the test of

international markets, while simultaneously maintaining and expanding the real income of its

people over the long term (World Bank, 2007). Drawing from the above definitions it can be

concluded that competitiveness is the ability to sell products that meet demand requirements

(cost, price, quality, quantity, availability) and, at the same time, ensure profits over time that can

sustain the firm or industry. This may be within domestic markets (in which case firms, or

sectors, in the same country are compared with each other) or international (in this case,

comparisons are made between countries). Competitiveness is therefore a broad concept with

relative measure. There is no agreement on how to define it, or how to measure it precisely.

2.11 Benchmarking

Benchmarking compares the performance of a value chain to itself at different points in time, to

another value chain in the country, or to a value chain in another country in order to establish the

current baseline position and provide comparative data to guide decisions and actions. Usually

quantitative indicators are used, such as yields, benefit cost ratio, time to market, pricing data,

and others (Webber and Labaste, 2010). Qualitative data can also be used, although such

information is harder to measure clearly and objectively. Secondary data for benchmarking

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comparisons at regional national and international levels are usually used. In assessing a value

chain’s competitiveness, several key aspects can be usefully examined. First, it is important to

benchmark overall value chain performance, meaning how well the actors in the value chain

deliver products to the final consumer in comparison to other value chains and other countries.

Once the overall value chain is analyzed, it can be broken down into key performance

components, such as yields, transport efficiency, market access, unit price, and many others

(Webber and Labaste,2010).(

2.12 Review of Empirical Studies

Dereje (2007) used value chain approach to study the competitiveness of Ethiopian coffee

in the international market. The study indicates that Ethiopian farmers have low level of

education, large family size with small farmland and get only 3% of the retail price in the

German market. Thus, policy intervention was suggested to improve farmers’ performance.

Value chain study conducted on mango by Dendena et al. (2009) shows that the

subsector faces some challenges. Among others: highly disorganized and fragmented 21 industry

with weak value chain linkages, long and inefficient supply chains, inadequate information flows

and lack of appropriate production are explained as the major problems. The study recommended

institutional innovation to reduce the above challenges

A detailed case studies on value chains carried out in Brazil and Thailand, as well as in three

African counties(Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia) in 2009, shows that Africa is extensively

endowed with underdeveloped land resources (World Bank,2009). The study found that there are

substantial opportunities for farmers in Africa to regain international competitiveness and

improve national food security. Success in capitalizing on these opportunities will however,

depend on getting policies right, strengthening institutions, and scaling up investments in

agriculture. The potential competitiveness of agriculture in Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia

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was gauged through value-chain analyses of six commodities well-suited to the Guinea

Savannah: cassava, cotton, maize, rice, soybeans, and sugar. A number of insights emerged from

the analysis. Farm-level unit production costs in the three African countries were comparable to

or lower than those in Brazil and Thailand, despite significantly lower yields per hectare. In

domestic markets, Africa’s producers can compete with imports given that high logistical costs

raise prices of imported commodities and provide “natural protection” upon which African

producers can capitalize. This same high logistical costs that shielded domestic producers are a

significant barrier to exports. African producers must absorb these costs if their commodities are

to compete internationally. Given the high costs of reaching international markets, Africa’s

producers were favorably positioned to serve regional markets. Demand in regional markets was

expected to grow rapidly as a result of population growth, income gains, and accelerating

urbanization. Domestic costs were high owing to deficiencies in transport, processing, and

storage infrastructure

Value chain analysis studies in Cameroon can be traced back to value chain analysis on

maize, cassava, poultry, and plantain carried out by World Bank team in 2008. This study

revealed that Cameroon has good potential to become a major food supplier to the region

because of its competitiveness in cassava, maize, and plantain; and that investments in these

sectors would not only improve food security but also lead to higher incomes. Some pre-

conditions posited include; Interventions to increase access and use of inputs and high-yielding

planting material by family farmers, increase efficiency of assembly and transportation.

The multiplicity of rice value chain studies depicts the importance of rice in the feeding

habits of most communities of the world and its contribution in the maintenance of food security.

A comprehensive value chain analysis on rice has not been carried out in Cameroon. In a study

carried out in the Niger basin of Niger, Mali and Nigeria in 2008, IFDC identified three areas for

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improvement on the rice value chain in these regions. These include; the availability of credit

facilities, technical assistance to support the efforts to produce greater quality rice and publicity

that will emphasize to potential consumers the value and good qualities of domestic rice. The

study showed that though the benefit cost ratio was 0.33 on average for producers, if they

decided to retain ownership over their crop through the processing stage, their margins would

further be improved. The average profit margin of farmers was lower than what is obtained by

the wholesaler and retailer. Wong (2012) in a similar study in Lao found out that the farmers’

profit margin was higher than what the wholesaler and retailer earned. This was linked to high

yields and low cost of inputs at the farmers’ level. The quality of local rice was also another area

of concern. Rice produced locally in West Africa suffers a significant price discount in

comparison with imported rice. This appears to be at least partly due to perceived differences in

quality. Stryker (2010) affirmed that locally produced rice south of the Sahara generally has

more impurities mixed with it and is not of uniform grain size and color. He went ahead to state

that “The lack of product uniformity leads to longer cooking times and unpredictable

preparation”. He concluded that “cleaning and sorting this rice prior to cooking is time-

consuming and laborious”. There is great disparity in price offered to locally produced rice and

imported rice. While the imported rice is more expensive and available all year round the locally

produced rice is less expensive and floods the market immediately after harvest Stryker (2010).

This is also evident in great rice producing countries like Pakistan. Mehmood et al (2011)

reported that majority of the rice farmers in Pakistan emphasize on quantity rather than quality of

the products due to lack of information about demand and price. Molua (2010) points to a

scenario in Cameroon whereby in spite the increase in the price of imported rice, the quantity

imported continue to serge upward.

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2.13 Limits of the value chain approach

Bellù (2013) posits some shortcomings of the Value chain approach. These include the fact

that the analysis mostly relies on the build-up of agents accounts to describe technical relations

and it allows for distributional and impact assessments, as well as for competitiveness and

protection appraisals. Hence, it can be considered as an accounting framework and not a

behavioural model, since no particular assumptions are made on agents’ behavior. As a

consequence, agents’ reactions to shocks cannot be anticipated and taken into account, unless

causal relations are borrowed from theory. He continues that another feature of value chain

analysis lies in its lack of a time dimension. Despite being usually carried out with reference to a

specific accounting period (i.e., a given year), it does not explicitly considers the impact of time

on the variables considered. Hence, we call it a “static” framework. He concludes that, value

chain analysis is not a stylized representation of the whole economy, but an in-depth description

of a specific segment of it giving only a partial vision of the economy and requiring a large

amount of data.

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CHAPTER THREE

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

3.1.1 METHOD

The value chain theory is the foundation on which the research is conducted. The value chain

analytical frame work is used to understand the various aspects of the rice value chain with focus

on the identification of actors, critical issues and blockages that undermine value chain

development. This is followed by the identification of business and technological opportunities

that can enhance the performance and competitiveness of actors in the value chain and the

linkages amongst them. The research starts with the exercise of value chain mapping to provide

a glance at the value chain of Ndop rice. The exercise includes (1) mapping core processes, (2)

mapping direct actors, (3) mapping the product flow, and volume of product (4) mapping

institutions and services feeding into the chain, and (5) initial identification of linkages between

actors.

In order to reveal the costs incurred at the farming stage, distributions of revenue, cost

and profit, data on costs and selling prices are required. Benchmarking of key indicators such as

yield, production cost, and benefit cost ratio used data from primary and secondary sources.

Profit, added costs and marketing margins were then calculated. Afterward, the distributions of

revenue, cost and profit to different actors in the value chain were graphed. The research results

were interpreted. Finally, in order to understand the preference for rice (local and imported)

consumers (households, hotels and restaurants) were interviewed. A SWOT analysis was

conducted to reveal the areas of blockages and opportunities for the improvement of the

competitiveness of the value chain.

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A focused group was built from farmer’s representatives of the Ndop rice federation made

up of 21 farmer representatives and 6 Agricultural Extension staff working in the area. 50

randomly selected rice farmers in the Ndop Rice production basin were targeted but 48

questionnaires were effectively completed and returned. Since the number of input dealers,

collectors and millers was too small, all were targeted for interview. 8 private rice millers out of

9 and 13 rice collectors out of the 16 were interviewed. The 3 other rice collectors not

interviewed could not be reached due to their long absence from the area. Identified 5 input

dealers were reached. A random sampling of wholesalers and retailers was done in Ndop study

area and Bamenda town which is an urban center where both local and imported rice are sold.

For consumers, considering their large number, a random stratified sample was used. This was

drawn from the study site and Bamenda urban center. This involved 15 hotels and restaurants

and 35 households. Key informants were selected from the Divisional Delegation of Agriculture

and Rural Development of Ngoketunjia Division, UNVDA, and Research Center. All the 3

microfinance institutions; MC2, Ngoketunjia Credit Union, The Peoples’ financing were

interviewed. This was through semi structured questions.

3.1.2 Data collection

Ndop plain was purposively selected since it is a rice producing area where UNVDA is

installed. Data collection was carried out during the months of October and November 2013.

Appropriate primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed so as to achieve each of the

stated objective and to answer the research questions of the study.

3.1.2.1 To identify the main actors/stakeholders in the value chain, data was gathered through

literature review, interview with rice farmers in Ngoketunjia Division using semi structured

questionnaires. This was the same case with the middlemen/processors thanks to the

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collaboration of the staff of UNVDA and the Divisional Delegation of Agriculture Ngoketunjia

who acted as key informants.

3.1.2.2 To identify the activities of the main actors and stakeholders with respect to their

functions, linkages, attitude and practices in the rice value chain, structured questionnaires with

open and closed ended questions were administered at the level of the farmers, collectors and

processors. Semi structured questionnaires were administered to key informants from UNVDA,

Research and the Divisional Delegation of Agriculture Ngoketunjia who provided valuable

information. This was complemented with information gathered during focused group discussion

with farmers and agricultural extension staff.

3.1.2.3 To assess the current costs and earnings of value chain activities, and evaluate the

distribution of revenue, cost and profit along the value chain, data from focused group discussion

and interviews with structured questionnaires administered to collectors/processors, wholesalers,

and retailers. Secondary data from technical reports and accounting documents of UNVDA were

also used.

3.1.2.4 Data for benchmarking of key indicators along the value chain to detect performance

gaps and reason for such gaps, included; production yields per hectare, total cost of production,

total revenue. This was collected during focused group discussion with the farmers and

agricultural extension staff. Secondary data used for comparative purpose emanated from

technical production records of UNVDA, as concerns yields. These were to be benchmarked

against data from other secondary sources obtained during literature review notably; production

costs structure, benefit cost ratio, and yields from other areas and countries.

3.1.2.5 To identify challenges (weaknesses and threads), existing opportunities and entry

points available for upgrading the value chain, data was derived from SWOT analysis carried out

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during focused group discussions with farmers, information from key informants and personal

observations.

3.1.3 Data analysis

Qualitative and quantitative data analyses are employed. System of thematic analysis was

used for the data that were collected through focused group discussion, key informant interviews,

personal observation and secondary documents. Functional analysis was used to identify the

various actors and their roles in the value chain. Partnerships and linkages were analyzed in their

historical and contemporary context to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Tools used

included chain mapping and actor linkage matrix to depict all activities, actors, and relationships

among segments of the chain, and the interactions between producers and intermediaries. The

analysis was generally descriptive.

Quantitative value chain analysis is focused on the amount of money a customer is

willing to pay for a firm’s output (Keyser, 2006). Fundamental tools for this analysis were the

“Production account” and the “Income account” for a given period. This enabled the computing

of the following parameters:

a) Cost of Production and Gross Margin

Y =∑P1x1 + P2x2 + Px3……..+Pnxn

Where,

Yc= Cost of production

P= Cost price of an item

x= cost item

n= number of items involved

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b) Profit: This is the difference between the total revenue and the total cost incurred

before tax. This is computed as the selling price minus the total cost of

production at each stage of the value. Marketing margin must cover all costs

needed to transfer the product from one stage to the next and a reasonable

return to those performing the job (Shepherd, 2007).

c) Distribution of added costs (value added), revenue and profit. (Added costs reflect

efforts of different chain actors in adding values to the final product.). Total cost of

the final product sold to the final customer is constituted of added costs incurred by

different chain actors. Added costs reflect efforts of different chain actors in adding

values to the final product. The revenue (or retail price) is made up of marketing

margins belonging to different actors in the value chain. Therefore, the marketing

margin, showed in percentage, reflects the distribution of revenue to different

chain actors (figure 3). Marketing margin is the difference between selling price

paid by the next stage and purchasing price paid to the previous stage. Finally,

profit from selling the final product to the final customer comprises of profits accruing to

different chain actors

d) Benchmarking of key indicators of competitiveness such as yields/hectare, selling prices

production cost and benefit/cost ratio are compared with those of other areas or countries

where rice is produced. Benefit/Cost Ratio Analysis: Benefit Cost Ratio is denoted by

B/C where

B = selling price (revenue) - total cost

C= total cost.

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Benefit /Cost Ratio can also be expressed as; profit before tax/ Total Cost. This is an indicator

of profitability for benchmarking purposes.

Descriptive statistics such as simple measures of means, frequencies, percentages and cross

tabulations are used for the survey data gathered from sampled farmers, middlemen/processors,

retailers, wholesalers and consumers.

The use of SWOT (strength weaknesses, opportunities, and threads) analysis was also

employed to assess the constraints and opportunities for increasing profitability along the value

chain and to propose a feasible value chain development strategy.

The analyzed data are presented Processing mills have to use more than 1kg of paddy rice to

produce 1kg of white rice, that is, 1.587kg for private mills and 1.539kg for UNVDA mill

considering conversion rates of 0.63 and 0.65 respectively. Thus, purchase price for 1 kg of

white rice is that of 1.587kg and 1.539kg of paddy rice respectively. Therefore, cost per kg and

selling price received by farmers and middlemen have to be re-scaled into cost and price per

1.587kg and 1.539kg of paddy rice respectively using tables, graphs and charts.

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CHAPTER 4

4 PRESENTATION OF RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE STAGES, ACTORS AND STAKEHOLDERS IDENTIFIED

FOR THE NDOP RICE VALUE CHAIN

4.1.1 Ndop Rice Value chain stages

The main stages of the Ndop rice value chain identified are:

Input supply, farm production, collection, processing, and marketing which are presented in

Figure 12 and further discussed and described.

Figure 12: Value chain stages for Ndop Rice

Source: Generated from Value chain mapping exercise.

4.1.1.1 Input supply: This stage is concerned with the sourcing of raw materials required for

the production, processing, and marketing of rice. They are all procured locally.

4.1.1.2 Farm production: This stage is concerned with primary production and ends with

the sales of paddy rice at the farm gate. These transactions may occur literally at the farm gate or

at some other point where the farmer hands over ownership of the product to the next value chain

participant. Depending on the state of the paddy rice, some type of primary processing (such as

the drying, winnowing and bagging of dry grain) may take place at the farm level

Input supply Farm production Collection Processing MarketingConsumer

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4.1.1.3 Collection/Assembly. This stage involves the collection and bulking of paddy rice from

many farmers and the delivery of the paddy rice to a miller/steamer or UNVDA for processing

and packaging.

4.1.1.4 Processing. The processing stage involves the winnowing, sorting, steaming (in the

case of parboiled rice), hulling, grading and packaging of rice.

4.1.1.5 Marketing (Wholesale/retail). The stage is concerned with the delivery of rice

through wholesalers and retailers to the final consumer. In the case of Ndop rice the consumption

is mostly internal or within Cameroon except for what is smuggled into Nigeria.

4.2 DESCRIPTION OF IDENTIFIED NDOP RICE VALUE CHAIN ACTORS,

STAKEHOLDERS, FUNCTIONS AND LINKAGES

4.2.1 Main actors

The main actors/holders identified in the product flow chain are; the input dealers who

supply inputs to the farmers, the farmers who are located at the production basin, the middlemen

who collect and assemble paddy rice from the farmers and sell to processors, the processors who

carryout milling and bagging, the wholesalers and retailers who are involved in marketing, and

the domestic / foreign consumers.

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Figure 13: Value chain mapping of product flow to show main actors.

LOWLAND RICE PRODUCERS

PRIVATE

PROCESSORS

STEAMERS

MILLED

RICE WHOLESALERS

MILLED RICE

RETAILERS

UNVDA

(PROCESSOR)

CONSUMERS

EXPORTERS

Intermediaries

Inputs suppliers

Source: author (generated from product mapping process)

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Figure 13 depicts the physical flow of the product. Production is carried out in the swamps which are

located in the production zones. After harvest, farmers either transport the paddy rice to their various

homes for storage or the produce are carried directly to the weighing stations of UNVDA for winnowing,

weighing and recording for subsequent payment.

Some middlemen whom in most cases had pre-financed the production process collect the paddy rice

directly from the farms. Steamers and private processors also purchase rice directly from the farmers.

Processing is done either in the UNVDA rice mill or in small private mills located in the vicinity.

Some private rice mills are found in Bamenda located about 48km from the production basin.

Marketing of rice is carried out by wholesalers who buy in bulk and carry to cities like Bamenda,

Douala, Yaounde, and Bafoussam. It is then supplied to retailers.

UNVDA has created sales points at Ndop, Bamenda, Yaounde, and Douala were rice is being retailed

to consumers. It should be noted that some of the rice is being smuggled through Ndonga Mantung, and

Menchum Divisions into Nigeria. Since this is an illegal venture. Records of exported quantities are not

available

4.2.2 Support services

Although they are not directly involved in the production and distribution, support services presented

do influence the performance of the value chain. They facilitate the operation of the value chain.

Table 7: Summary of value chain support services

STAGE OF THE CHAIN

AGENTS. FUNCTION OUTPUT

PRODUCTION UNVDA, MINADER, IRAD Technological transfer, training of farmers.

Improved seeds, fertilizer, improved production techniques.

Infrastructural development Farm to market roads, irrigation canals, damps, land development

Microfinance institutions MC2, Credit Unions, Peoples financing.

Provide credit facilities and inputs to farmers.

LoansInputs (fertilizers)

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UNVD, Collector/millers.Collection. Microfinance institutions

MC2Provide credit facilities Loans.

Processing. Microfinance institutions MC2

Provide credit facilities Loans.

Marketing. Microfinance institutions MC2

Provide credit facilities Loans.

Source: survey results/ chain mapping exercise.

The table provides a summary of their activities which involve all the main stages of the value chain.

4.2.3 Functions and linkages of actors and stakeholders

All the activities performed by the various actors in the value and the environment in which they

operate constitute the value chain analysis model.

Table 8: Summary of Ndop rice value chain actors/stakeholders their functions, and output

STAGE OF CHAIN AGENT FUNCTION OUTPUTINPUT SUPPLY UNVDA, MINADER,

Unconventional pesticide dealers

Technological transfer and farmers training

Provide pesticides, fertilizers, seeds

PRODUCTION farmers Farming. Paddy riceCOLLECTION Millers, UNVDA,

intermediariesCollect and supply Paddy rice

PROCESSING UNVDA, private millers/steamers.

Processing of paddy rice

White / parboiled rice and associated by-products

MARKETING UNVDA, millers Sale of rice White / parboiled rice and associated by products

Wholesalers and retailers. Purchase and sale of rice

White / parboiled rice and associated by-products

CONSUMPTION Domestic and foreign consumer.

Purchase of Ndop rice. Customer satisfaction

Source: Survey data.

Table 8 presents a summary of Ndop value chain actors/stakeholders, their functions, and output as

found in the main stages of the value chain.

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4.3. The Ndop rice value chain map

Figure 14 presents the Ndop rice value chain map, which is a visualized network linking the actors and the

various production processes as already presented in Table 8. The principal actors are; input suppliers,

producers, farmer organization, collectors, processors, wholesalers and retailers. And the support

organizations or services are; Microfinance institutions, Research (IRAD), Ministry of Agriculture and

Rural Development and businessmen. It should be noted that UNVDA is involved as an important actor

and also as a support structure.

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Figure 14: Ndop rice value chain map

sus

Provide credit facilities to farmers, retailers, millers and wholesalers

PRODUCTION COLLECTING PROCESSINGWHOLESALE –RETAILER MARKETING

CONSUMPTION EXPORTATION

BUSINESSMEN

INDIVIDUAL FARMERS

INTERMEDIARIES

PRIVATE MILLERS/steamers

WHOLESALECONSUME

UNVDARETAIL

COMMON INITIATIVE GROUPS

UNVDAEXPORT

Paddy rice White/parboiled rice and by products

MC2/ CREDIT UNION, PEOPLE FINANCINGNJANGGI

AGRIC EXTENSION WORKERS of MINADER

IRAD

Source: author (generated from activities of actors/linkage

Support SERVICES

INPUTS SUPPLY

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Figure 14 presents the different actors along the value chain and the existing linkages. The

arrows indicate the interconnectedness of the various stakeholders and actors in the chain, which

are described below.

4.3.1 Inputs Suppliers

The main input suppliers in rice production are the Upper Noun Valley Development

Authority UNVDA, retail shops and farmers. There are presently five retail shops identified in

the Ndop plain. They supply fertilizers and pesticides. Some farmers are involved in the

production and sales of certified commercial seeds. They acquire the basic seeds from IRAD

Yaounde, which are then multiplied to produce commercial seeds for sale to other farmers.

Table 9: Rice seeds produced in Ndop plain

s/n

producer Locality. Variety.Farm size ha

Quantity tons

1 MAFAC CIG Babungo TOX'S-4532 5 252 MAFAC CIG Babungo TOX'S-4538 5 303 NGWANA GENESIS Bamuka TOX'S-3145 1 10

4NDUMCHUNG BENEDICTA

Bamuka TOX'S-3145 1 5

5 Ngoketunjia milla Union CIG Bamuka TOX'S-3145 2 2.56 Ngoketunjia milla Union CIG Bamuka NERICA-3 2 2

7New Rice For Africa Union C.IG

BamukaNerica rice 4256

1 5

8 Ngoketunjia-Ndop-BambalangBambalang

TOX-3145 1 8

87.5Source: annual report of the Regional Delegation of Agriculture and Rural Development, NW.

Table 9 shows the various seed varieties produced by framers and the number of farmers

involved in this venture. The seed produced are sold to farmers at 500FCFA per kg. In 2012, 8

farmers were involved in this exercise and produced and distributed 87.5 tons of rice seeds.

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UNVDA also supplies seeds. In 2012, 38.25tons of improved seeds were available. If this is

added to the seed produced by farmers, this will give a total of 125.75 of the expected 148.5 tons.

This constitutes 84.6% of seeds needed. This indicates that only 15% of seed planted were

recycled seeds. The price of improved seed is 150FCFA/Kg (focused group discussion). This

was confirmed by the authorities of UNVDA.

Table 10: Fertilizer and pesticide distribution sources and prices

TYPEOF FERTILIZER

AND PESTICIDE SUPPLIED.

UNIT AVERAGE PRICE PER UNIT FCFA

DIFERENCE % DIFFERENCE

UNVDA RETAILERS

Fertilizer – NPK 20 10 10

50kg bags

20,000 22,000 2,000 10

Fertilizer - urea 50kg bags

19,500 20,500 1000 5.13

Herbicide- herbextra 1 litre 3,500 3800 300 8.57

Source: compiled from survey and focused group discussion)

Table 10, presents the different sources through which farmers acquire fertilizers and

pesticides. 66% of the farmers interviewed acquired fertilizer through UNVDA. The most

important reason for choosing UNVDA, is the low price offer compared to other sources. 58% of

farmers interviewed had signed contracts with UNVDA for the supply of inputs on credit basis.

The existence of input supply contracts also facilitated the acquisition of inputs. Fertilizers and

pesticides supplied through UNVDA are acquired directly from importers and no taxes are

incurred at the local level (Ndop). But local retail shops pay global taxes and other charges.

Farmers could cut down costs between 5%-10% if they are organized to purchase their fertilizers

in bulk directly from importers as UNVDA is doing. This will also ensure that the products are

not of doubtful quality

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4.3.2. Producers

The average farm size per farmer is estimated at 0.24 hectares. This is too small for a farmer to

benefit from economies of scale. All the farmers interviewed indicated that they use fertilizers on their

farms. Also, 75% of framers interviewed used improved seeds. The availability of improved seeds,

fertilizers and the high adoption rate of their use by farmers are positive indicators for technological

improvement. These contributed to the high yields obtained by farmers (5.02 tons/hectare

4.3.3 Middlemen

Most middlemen operate as individuals. Competition remains the main reason they work

in isolation. In terms of communication, they use cell phones to link up with buyers. Focused

group discussions revealed that they work through presidents of the common initiative groups

who organize meetings with the farmers. During these meetings, some middlemen provide loans

to the farmers which are repaid using their harvested produce. Middlemen have sub agents

located in the small villages who receive rice orders from them. They do not have specific

buying point as they only settle in locations where rice is available and prices are favorable at

that time. They buy larger quantities of rice and sell either immediately or in most cases, they

hold the rice awaiting better prices. Some middlemen also sell to intermediate buyers who sell

the rice finally to processors. UNVDA also plays the role of collector. They collect paddy rice

directly from farmers and store for processing. There are presently 16 rice collectors including

millers, identified. UNVDA pays 120 fcfa/kg of paddy rice while the collectors purchase at

120fcfa/kg during the harvesting period and even more during off seasons. From interview

conducted, the price range for other collectors is between 120fcfa/kg to 180fcfa/kg for periods of

abundance and off season respectively. Data for collected rice by UNVDA is presented in Table

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11. This shows that from 2010 to 202 more 66.8% of the rice produced went through private

collectors. This indicates the important role played by this actor of the value chain.

Table 11: Percentage of rice production collected by UNVDA

Source: compiled from UNVDA annual reports.

Table 11 presents the evolution of paddy rice collected and processed by UNVDA. Data

collected from 2010 to 2012 show that highest percentage of rice hulled by UNVDA which has a

superior processing unit was 33.2%. This compromises the quality rice processed.

Figure 15: Trend of rice collected by UNVDA relative to total production

Source: Generated from table 11

PRODUCTION YEAR

TOTAL PRODUCTION

UNVDA Private collectors

Quantity of rice collected.

% collected

Difference

2009/2010 10,536 1832 17.4 82.6%

2010/2011 14,923 3134 21.0 79%

2011/2012 14900 4,945 33.2 66.8%

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Figure 15 present the trend of paddy rice collected by UNVDA. This indicates a progressive

increase though it is still below 35%.

35% of framers interviewed indicated that they had marketing contracts with UNVDA and

collectors while 65% had no marketing contracts. These marketing contracts are usually tied to

the pre-financing of production by UNVDA and middlemen through the provision of inputs to

the farmers for that which concerns the former and direct cash to farmers in the case of the latter.

Farmers’ fear of not benefiting from eventual increase in price and the fear of middlemen that the

farmers will not also respect the terms of the contract are the main reasons for the low number of

marketing contracts. This indicates that marketing is not assured and is not also organized.

Norms and standards are not pre-determined to ensure upstream quality of product supplied. This

may compromise the quality especially as 72% of collectors interviewed consider price as the

main determinant when purchasing the paddy rice.

4.3.4 Processors

Processors are located in Ndop town and within national electricity grid connections. There

are mainly two types of processors:

Small-scale plants are normally situated along the main roads with one rice mills. Ndop plain

now host nine of such mills/processors. They are also involved in steaming to produce parboiled

rice. There is a large scale superior plant owned by UNVDA. Other small scale private plants are

located in the urban center of Bamenda. These processors either buy directly from producers

and / or buy from middlemen.

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Table 12: Percentage of rice marketed through UNVDA.

YEAR TOTAL PRODUCTION

UNVDA PRIVATE PROCESSORS / OTHERS

Quantity of rice processed

% processed Quantity of rice processed

% processed

2009/2010 10,536 1832 17.4 8,704 82.6

2010/2011 14,923 3134 21.0 11,789 79.0

2011/2012 14900 4,945 33.2 9,955 66.8

Source : compiled from UNVDA annual reports.

Table 12 presents actors involved in processing. Presently private mills process more than

66% of paddy rice produced in Ndop.

Figure16: Evolution of processed rice by actors as a percentage of total paddy rice.

Source: Generated from table 12

Figure 16 shows the trend and quantity of rice processed by the various actors involved in

this activity. While UNVDA is gradually increasing, the quantity processed by private millers is

gradually dropping. This is explained by the revamping of UNVDA activities.

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The bulk of the paddy rice (66.8%) in 2012 was processed by private processors, using mills

which do not respect international norms for sorting, polishing and grading of white rice

(basmati 5% broken grains). This of course has a negative impact on the quality of grains

produced.

Table 13: Sources of paddy rice purchased by millers

Source of paddy rice Percentage of quantity supplied.

Purchased at farm gate 22%

Supplied by farmer at the mill 34%

Supplied by intermediaries 44%

Source: Survey results

The figures in Table 13 indicate that most of the paddy rice being milled is supplied by

intermediaries. This is followed by paddy rice supplied by farmers at the mills. The least is

paddy rice purchased at farm gate. The high level of involvement of intermediaries increases the

cost of the final product to consumers and reduces the revenue of millers from 93.374frs/kg to

76.497 frs/kg of white rice produced.

Millers interviewed revealed that the high level of broken grains (20-25%) was due to poor

quality of the paddy which was associated to the inadequate drying. This problem does not exist

in UNVDA as the paddy is usually well dried, humidity tested and paddy is further seasoned for

at least six months before hulling is carried out.

4.3.4.1 Activities associated to Processing: Activities associated to processing are; sorting,

winnowing, hulling, grating and packaging.

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Table 14: Analysis of activities of millers

Processing activities carried out by private millers

Targeted respondents (total of 9 hullers identified)

Respondents Respondentsinvolved in the activity

percentage

sorting 9 8 0 0%Cleaning (winnowing) 9 8 8 100%

Drying 9 8 8 100%Seasoning 9 8 3 37%hulling 9 8 8 100%grading 9 8 0 0%packaging 9 8 4 50%

Source: survey results.

Table 14 shows that private processors perform drying, seasoning, hulling and packaging

operations as survey results indicate. 37% of private millers also carry out seasoning. The control

of humidity remains a major problem as humidity instruments are not available. This negatively

affects the quality of milled grains. The high capacity (3.5 tons/hour) rice huller with automatic

grading, sorting, polishing and packaging capabilities, used by UNVDA, is underutilized. The

percentage of broken grains range between 8% -10% (stimates are done using sieve).

4.3.4.2 Products and by-products of Paddy Rice:

For the local mills only the white rice and the coarse rice brands are obtained. The products

from the UNVDA mill include: white rice, clean broken rice, industrial broken rice, fine rice

bran, coarse rice bran, and rice husk/impurities.

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Table15: Products and by-products of Paddy Rice.

DESIGNATION UNVDA% PRIVATE MILL%1 White rice 65 632 Clean broken rice 8 03 Industrial broken rice 7 04 Fine Rice Bran (FB) 5 05 Coarse Rice Bran (SM) 4 218 Rice husk/impurities 11 16

Source: interview with UNVDA /Millers.

Table 15 shows the different products and by-products produced by the two types of plants. It

also shows that the UNVDA plant produces 65% white rice as against 63% for private mills.

Parboiled rice is produced by UNVDA mostly on expressed demand and constitutes 2.3%

of total rice produced. Parboiled rice constitutes 3% to 5% of the total rice processed by

private millers. Failure of the small mills to carry out sorting and grading compromises the

quality. This is physically visible through observation as the white rice contained visible particles

of sand, seeds of weeds and other impurities. There is there a need for the use of improved

milling facilities that can carry out all the operations to ensure that the quality of polished rice is

improved. Using the private mills leads to loss in the quantity of white rice some of which is

retained as coarse rice brand.

4.3.5 Wholesalers / retailers.

Four wholesale shops exist in Ndop. The sources of their rice include millers and UNVDA.

The bulk of the produce is carried to urban centers; the closest being Bamenda town.

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Table 16: Sources of local rice sold by Wholesalers / retailers

TYPE OF RESPONDENT

NO. OF RESPONDENT

SOURCE OF PRODUCTUNVDA OTHER

LOCAL SOURCES

BOTH

Wholesale shops 12 out of 13 0 = 0% 5= 41% 7= 59%

Retailers. 44 out of 50 3= 6% 28 = 63% 13 =29%

Source: Survey data.

59% of the wholesale shops located in Bamenda and Ndop interviewed, indicated that they

got their products from both UNVDA and other sources while, 41% got theirs from other

sources. No wholesale shop depended on UNVDA alone for their supplies. In the case of

retailers, 6%, 63% and 13% procured their supplies from UNVDA, other supplies and both

UNVDA and other suppliers respectively. This trend was associated with the scarcity of

UNVDA processed rice. The availability of Ndop rice, especially that which is milled by

UNVDA was a problem as indicated by 23.4% of the wholesalers interviewed.

Table 17: Comparative price analysis of white rice from different sources

Type of rice Supply price by UNVDA FCFA/50kg bag

Average selling price FCFA/50kg bag

Marketing margin

NDOP White rice from UNVDA

17,100 18,100 1,000

Ndop white rice From millers

13,515 14,570 1,235

THAILAND 18700 19,750 1,050INDIAN 19,125 21,745 2,650 VIETNAM (NEIMA)

19,170 21,920 2,750

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Source: survey results and literature review.

Table 17 indicates that generally, imported rice is more expensive than locally produced rice.

The rice from the local mill is less expensive. This is due to the poor quality it presents, as

confirmed by all the wholesalers. The marketing margin is generally higher for imported rice.

4.3.6 CONSUMERS

50 households and 30 restaurants/ hotel owners were interview to appraise the availability

and quality of Ndop rice in general.

Table 18: consumers’ rice preference analysis

Catergory. Total no. interviewed

Those with preference for Ndop rice

Those who do not show preference for Ndop

Reataurant/hotel 30 9 = 30% 21 = 70%households 48 31 = 64.5% 17=35.5%

Source: Survey results.

70% of the hotels and restaurants do not consume Ndop rice. The reason advanced was that

the rice was difficult to cook and does not present well during serving. On the contrary, 64.5% of

households interviewed prefer Ndop rice while 17.35% do not. The taste of the rice was said to

be appealing. The difficulty in cooking, high level of impurities and its non-availability were

listed as problems.

4.4 DESCRIPTION OF IDENTIFIED NDOP RICE VALUE CHAIN SUPPORTERS

The value chain supporters identified are: Research and Extension providers, UNVDA, Ndop

rice farmers’ federation and Microfinance institutions.

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4.4.1 Research and Extension Providers

The Government through its various agencies such as The Upper Noun Valley Development

Authority (UNVDA), Institute of Research and Agricultural Development (IRAD), and the

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, is a key stakeholder in the rice value chain as it

is responsible for policy development, review and implementation of policies; research and

extension services. This is outlined in the Cameroon’s National strategy for rice growing

document. (MINADER 2009)

4.4.1.1 INSTITUTE OF RESEARCH FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT (IRAD)

UNVDA and IRAD Yaounde indicated that IRAD Yaounde makes available basic seeds

which are distributed to farmers for the production of certified seed. The seeds are then

distributed to farmers for commercial rice seed production. The quality control department of the

Regional Delegation of Agriculture and Rural Development is involved in the control of the

quality of the seeds produced and distributed. IRAD stations provide agronomy support services

like advising farmers on production issues such as which varieties to grow, where and when.

Currently, there is a technology transfer program in all research stations whereby several

demonstrations have been mounted in selected areas and farmers are given inputs, mainly seed

and fertilizer, and technical know-how. The produce becomes theirs after harvest. This is then

passed on to other farmers. This was revealed during the focused group discussion.

4.4.1.2 Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

The ministry provides advisory services to farmers through the National Agricultural

Extension and Research project known by its French acronym as PNVRA. Material support in

the form of inputs such as fertilizers and herbicides, are sometimes provided. Seed control is

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carried out by the service of quality control. 100 tons of rice seeds were controlled before

distribution in 2012 (RDARD, 2013).

4.4.2 UPPER NOUN VALLEY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (UNVDA)

The Upper Noun Valley Development Authority (UNVDA) activity plan indicates that the

organization intervenes directly in rice production by:

- Training extension staff and rice farmers

- Supervising and settling farmers on developed rice fields through field extension workers.

- Distributing and collecting payment for agricultural inputs(which is provided to farmers to

improve on production)

- Seed multiplication with pilot farmers and on the seed multiplication plots of the

Corporation

- Control of agricultural implements used by farmers

- Organizing water control and distribution in the farmers’ fields.

- Purchasing some of the paddy rice from farmers after harvesting.

- Processing and marketing of rice.

The effective execution of the above activities by UNVDA was confirmed by the farmers

during the focused group discussion.

4.4.3 The Ndop Rice farmers’ federation

The role of the Ndop rice farmers’ federation was brought out during the focused group

discussions. This apex farmers’ organization only plays an advocacy role, which is to negotiate

for fertilizer, and tractor services to be made available at the appropriate time to the farmers.

Other roles like information dissemination and the organization of farmers to benefit from

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economies of scale, remain very timid. The farm management committee under the Ndop Rice

farmers’ federation is charged with the identification of farmers working in developed rice fields.

The federation also assists in the distribution of developed land and in water management.

4.4.4 Microfinance institutions.

The main microfinance institutions involved are the Credit Union, Mutual community

credit (abbreviated as MC2), and The Peoples’ Microfinance. Their intervention in the value

chain was brought to light through semi structured interviews with the management teams of

the three institutions. Their activities consist of providing soft loans to farmers generally, with

an interest rate ranging from 18% to 24%. These are usually short term loans with three

months average duration. Repayment is done after the sales of produce. Though the credit

Union and the MC2 are the formals sources of loans to 21%, and 7% of farmers respectively,

the informal source (njangi) serves about 26% of the farmers interviewed.(see appendix VIII)

The management teams of these microfinance institutions also revealed that loans are

also provided to collectors, wholesalers, and retailers to finance their activities.

4.5 ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF VALUE CHAIN ACTORS AND

SUPPORTERS

Focused group and key informants affirmed that the extension staff of UNVDA are

readily available to assist the farmers technically. And that the Delegation of Agriculture and

Rural Development provides free improved seeds to farmers for multiplication. This is then

passed over to other farmers during the subsequent farming season.

Though credit facilities are available for financing activities through soft loans,

farmers still have the habit of waiting for grants either from government or other

nongovernmental organizations. 38% the farmers interviewed have never applied for loans from

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the financial institutions. They continue to use the informal financing sources. Reasons advanced

by the farmers interviewed, and the focused group include; the lack of collateral security, high

interest rate and non respect of production calendar in the loan repayment plan.

Local collectors always prefer the use of measuring instruments which are not

standardized. In many cases as mentioned during focused group discussions, they will prefer

using bags as a measuring unit than weighing the produce.

Farmers are deprived from an important source of income which is the rice bran. The millers

simply confiscate it. This has become a normal practice whereas it could constitute an important

source of income to the farmers.

4.6 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT

UNVDA and the Divisional Delegation of Agriculture and Rural Development, iterated that

production of rice to ensure food security is one of the objectives of the Rice growing strategic

document. And that government has gone out on a total crusade for this goal of increasing

production and reducing importation of rice to be achieved. The government provides subsidies

to UNVDA to continue supporting rice production in the Ndop plain. These subsidies are then

used for the acquisition of irrigation equipment, construction of dykes and irrigation canals,

purchase and distribution of inputs to farmers in the form of a revolving fund.

The Ministry of Agriculture together with IRAD, provide improved seed materials for

multiplication by the farmers. The agricultural extension workers are trained by IRAD on

production technology and they in turn train the farmers. This was pointed out during the focused

group discussion and confirmed by a key informant from UNVDA.

Ndop provides a setting for the rice value chain due to its geographical location and

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favorable agro-ecology. The basin is a vast plain with fertile soils which are easy to work. Land is

available though only about 20% has been developed. The Bamenjim Dam provides water for

irrigation. Roads have been opened and this has made most of the farms accessible according to

farmers during focused group discussions. The government through UNVDA has constructed

water canals and bridges.

4.7 Governance and coordination.

No important rules and regulations that actors must comply to exist. Nevertheless, farmers

do prepare themselves to carry out the various farm operations simultaneously to respect of the

farming calendar and to facilitate water management. The seed control department of MINADER

is involved in the control of rice seeds produced and distributed by farmers.

Economic partnership contracts were established between the actors. Contracts for the

supply of inputs and for the sales of produce are established amongst the various actors. 58% of

farmers interviewed had established input contracts and 21 out of the 27 contracts established

were with UNVDA. These contracts were for the acquisition of fertilizers and pesticides.

Upstream, 35% of farmers interviewed were involved in marketing contracts with collectors and

millers. The fears they expressed were price uncertainty and lack of confidence.

Information need is important as all the farmers interviewed indicated a need for

information. Sources of information include the mass media and other farmers. Types of

information demanded include mainly the different types of inputs sources and prices.

The rice farming population is estimated at 12,303 farmers. At the beginning of 2013,

5,755 farmers were organized in 238 Common Initiative Groups (CIGs). This represents

46.78% of the total population of rice farmers (6,197 men and 6,096 women). These Common

Initiative Groups have formed 05 Unions of CIGs and a Federation. This organization facilitates

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advocacy and information dissemination. There is collaboration between UNVDA and the

various Farm Management committees in the distribution of developed farms, and water

management. There are also regular consultative meetings between the Rice Farmers Federation

and the UNVDA authorities especially for that which concern input distribution, and terms of

credit facilities available to farmers.

However, lack of coordination amongst different stakeholders is exhibited by the

duplication of activities carried out on the field. While the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural

Development (MINADER) is supplying free inputs to framers, UNVDA on the other hand is

providing the same inputs on credit at a subsidized cost. Field trials are conducted for new rice

varieties by IRAD, UNVDA, and MINADER. Sometimes this is done with the same farmers or

groups. These situations were revealed by the focused group. These give the impression that

there is competition among stake holders for beneficiaries of their programs and at the end of day

the effort is disintegrated.

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4.8 The structure of estimated Cost and Returns

4.8.1 Production Cost estimate for one hectare of Rice.

Table 19: Cost estimates per hectare of riceS/N Item Unit Quantity/ha Unit

costTotal/ha %Cost

contributiona Material inputs

i seed kg 50 150 7,500 1.47ii Fertilizer-NPK

201010Bags of 50kg 4 20,000 80,000

15.67iii Fertilizer-Urea. Bags of 50kg 2 19,500 39,000 7.64iv Herbicide liter 3 3,500 10,500 2.06

Sub total 26.84b Land rental ha 1 50,000 50,000 9.80c Water control ha 1 5000 5,000 0.98d labour

i Nursing of seeds. Man day 2 2,500 5,000 0.98ii Clearing Man day 12 2500 30,000 5.88iii Tilling. ha 1 30,000 30,000 5.88iv Leveling ha 1 15,000 15,000 2.94V transplanting ha 1 50,000 50,000 9.80Vi Herbicide

application/ manual weeding

ha 1 33,000 33,000

6.47Vii Fertilizer application Man days 6 2500 12500 2.45Viii Harvesting

/threshing.Man day 44 2500 110,000

21.55Subtotal for labour 55.94

e Marketing cost (Transportation to and cost of bags market point / bags)/ others

Bags of 100kg

47 600 28,200

5.53f Depreciation of

small equipment 25 4,700

0.92Total cost 510,400 100Yield. 5,020kg Cost/kg=101.6

Source: Focused group discussion/Own calculations

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Table 19 shows the different cost items involved in the production of rice on one hectare of land

and the yield obtained. It indicates that the cost of producing 1kg of paddy rice in Ndop is

estimated at 101.6 FCFA and that the yield from one hectare is 5.02 tons.

Figure 17: Cost structure for producing rice on one hectare of land.

Source: generated from Table 19

Figure 17 shows the cost distribution with respect to the production of paddy rice on one

hectare of land. The cost of labour in general occupies 55.94% out of which labour for harvesting

and threshing accounts for 21.55% since this operation is carried out manually. There is therefore

the need for an alternative to reduce the cost.

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Closely followed is the cost of material inputs which stand at 26.84% of which fertilizers

accounts for 25%. This is an indication of the importance of fertilizers in rice cultivation. This is

a major cost component in rice production. Fertilizer does not attract VAT in the present tax

dispensation, but other domestic taxes including customs duty, excess charges on non-CEMAC

imports, taxes on transportation, and taxes on dealer profit margins means that the total tax

burden worked out to between 43% to 59% of the domestic value added, depending on the

distribution channel and final place of use. By comparison, calculations for taxes and charges on

fertilizers and pesticide imported in Nigeria, Mozambique, and Zambia show that tax as a share

of domestic value added(DVA) works out to just 5%, 11%, and 18% respectively (World bank,

2008). Deducing from the Table 19, if a 50% reduction of the taxes and charges on fertilizer and

pesticide is considered, there will be a drop in the contribution of fertilizer and pesticide to the

total cost from 28.8% to 21.9 % and consequently a reduction by 6% of the cost of production.

Taxes and other charges therefore constitute 11.4% of the total cost of production.

4.8.2 Domestic added value, revenue and profit distribution along the value chain.

Value is added as the rice is produced from the farm and moves along the value chain through

the different actors. The value added is equal to the added cost. This is obtained by computing

the difference between the total revue minus the total cost and margin {total revenue – (total

cost + margin)}. This exercise is repeated until the good attained the level of the consumer. The

profit is the difference between the total revenue and the total cost before tax which is the

difference between the selling price and the total cost incurred at each stage of the value chain.

Values on Table 20 are the averages obtained from data collected from the different actors

through interviews. (see Appendix VI)

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Table 20: Added value, revenue and profit distributions

CHAIN ACTORS ORIGIN

PURCHASING PRICE

TOTAL COST

SELLING PRICE

MARGIN(PROFIT)

ADDED COST(value) REVENUE

FARMER - - 156.415 184.615 28.2 156.415 184.615MIDDLEMEN farmer 184.615 189.876 201.492 11.615 5.261 16.876

PROCESSOR

intermediary to private mill 201.492 262.542 277.99 15.44769 61.05 76.497

farmer to private mill 184.615 245.66 277.99 32.33 61.05 93.374

farmer to UNVDA 184.615 273.025 320.49 47.464 88.41 135.874

WHOLESALER

Rice from private mills 277.99 291.89 305.99 14.1 13.9 28

UNVDA processed rice 320.49 334.39 349.19 14.8 13.9 28.7

RETAILER

UNVDA processed rice 349.19 356.75 360.95 4.2 7.56 11.76

Rice from private mills 305.99 313.55 317.31 3.76 7.56 11.32

Source: Own calculations

Table 20 and Figure 18 present the added value, revenue and profit distributions amongst

the main actors in the chain. The farmer adds the highest value amongst the chain actors (156.415

fcfa). The profit made by the farmer from the sales of 1kg of white rice produced is 28.2FCFA.

This is less than what is made by the processors, 32.33 FCFA for the local millers and 47.47

FCFA for UNVDA. More value is added to rice milled by UNVDA than rice milled by private

millers. Local millers’ profit reduces if paddy rice is purchased through a middleman.. The

millers in general make the highest profit. The farmers are lured into unfair deals by the local

collectors when they pre-finance the farming season through loans. Repayment is done in kind

by the farmers using the harvested rice. Extra revenue is made by millers through the sales of

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rice brand which is not handed to the farmer. The consumer in Bamenda pays about 360.95fcfa

for one kilogram of white rice processed by UNVDA, while rice processed from small local

mills is sold at 317.31fcfa/kg.

Figure 18: Distribution of added cost (value), profit and margins (revenue) along the value chain

The farmer has the highest revenue, but this is absorbed by the high cost incurred and

consequently the farmer makes a lower profit as compared to the millers. More profit is made by

the processors where intermediaries are eliminated. The graph and the table show an unequal

distributions of cost, revenue and profit that need to be redressed.

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4.9 BENCHMARKING OF PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

4.9.1 Yield estimates.

Table 21: Comparison of estimated yields per hectare from different locations

SOURCE LOCATION Yields For 2011THIS STUDY Ndop 5.02FAO (2011) Cameroon 1.2FAO (2011) Africa 2.5FAO (2011) India 3.4FAO (2011) Thailand 2.9FAO (2011) China 6.5Mehmood Y. et al(2011) PARKISTAN 5.55Trudel B. (2012) VIETNAM(2011) 5.8

Source: focused group discussion and literature review.

Table 21 presents yields for rice obtained in Ndop, Cameroon, and averages from other

countries exporting rice to Cameroon. This is further illustrated in Figure 19. Yield wise, rice

produced in Ndop can favourably compete with rice produced in Thailand, India, and many

countries in Africa.

Figure 19: Comparison of yields per hectare for 2011

Source: generated from table 21

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Apart from China, Pakistan and Vietnam, average yield in Ndop is higher than that in major rice

producing areas (India and Thailand) as well as in other parts of Cameroon and Africa. This

increase in yield can be related to the use of improved seed material (85%), adequate use of

fertilizers, pesticides and the technical support of field extension staff. This was confirmed

during the focused group discussion.

4.9.2 Comparison of prices of white rice from different sources

Table 22: Comparison of prices of white rice from different sources

TYPE OF RICE

Average supply prices

fcfa per 50kg bag (A)

Average selling prices

fcfa per 50kg

bag(B)

Sales Margin (B-A)

Sellig price

difference with

respect to UNVDA rice per

50kg bag

Percentage difference

with respect to UNVDA rice per

50kg bag

Selling price

difference with

respect to rice

imported into

Cameroon per 50kg

bag

Percentage difference

with respect to

locally milled

rice per 50kg bag

NDOP White rice from UNVDA

16,000 17,500

1,500

0 0 -2,200 -14.379085

Ndop white rice locall millers

13,800 15,300 1,500 -2,200 -12.57 0 0

THAILAND 18,700 19,750

1,050

2,250 12.86 4,450 29.0849673

INDIAN 19,125 21,7452,620

4,245 24.26 6,445 42.124183

VIETNAM (NEIMA)

19,170 21,920 2,750 4,420 25.26 6,620 43.2679739

Source: Survey results and literature review.

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Table 22 indicates that generally imported rice is more expensive than locally produced rice.

The percentage difference in price ranges from 12% to 25.26% between imported rice and

UNVDA rice, and 29% to 43.267% between locally milled rice and imported rice. This is due to

the poor quality it presents as confirmed by all the wholesalers interviewed.

4.9.3 Comparison of Benefit/cost ratio

The Benefit/Cost ratio is computed as B/C where B is the difference between the total revenue

and the total cost before tax at each stage of the value chain and C the total cost incurred at each

stage of the value chain. This is done for the purpose of comparison. For this study the

Benefit/Cost ratios for the production of 1kg of paddy rice are compared.

Table 23: Benefit/cost ratios.

SOURCE. COUNTRY Benefit Cost ratio

Mehmood Y. et al (2011) PAKISTAN 1.044

Estimated by Author CAMEROON(NDOP) 0.181

Sita D K. and Ponnarasi T. (2009)

INDIA 1.56

Trudel B. (2012) VIETNAM 0.1

Source: Literature and focused group discussion

Table 23 and Figure 20 show computed benefit/cost ratios for Ndop rice and rice from other

countries exporting rice to Cameroon. The benefit/cost ratio for Ndop rice compared with the

results with the results from the other countries it is very low. (0.181 compared to 1.044 and 1.56

for Pakistan and India respectively).

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Figure 20: Benefit cost/ratio benchmarking.

Source: Generated from table 26

India has the highest benefit cost/ratio followed by Pakistan. The low benefit cost ratio observed

in Ndop can be associated to the high cost of production resulting principally from the high cost

of fertilizers and labour inputs. The gain in yields is completely absorbed by the high cost of

production.

4.10 Challenges and Opportunities

4.10.1 Challenges

The challenges identified are discussed under (a) level of production and high cost of

production (b) level of post harvest handling and processing and (c) Level of marketing

a) Level of production and high cost of production.

i) Production scale per farmer is still very low. The average farm size per farmer is estimated

at 0.24 hectares hence, farmers can not benefit from economies of scale.

ii) Productivity per farmer is still low. Though improved seeds are available at a subsidized

cost of 150fcfa/kg, some farmers are still using recycled seeds. Use of improved seed

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with proper cultural practices can increase the yield from the present level of 5.02 tons

per hectare to 6.5 tons per hectare.

iii) Average cost of production per farmer is still very high because production is

fragmented and mechanization is very low even in developed rice fields. This problem is

further compounded by the high cost of the labour and fertilizer inputs.

iv) Climate change: Since rice needs a lot of water, erratic rains and slight changes in the

rainfall pattern affects rice production. Some fields are flooded due to heavy rains during

harvest periods. This leads to heavy losses.

v) Poor water management due to broken down dykes and dams. Water may not be available

in certain areas during critical periods. Over flooding may occur.

vi) High cost of inputs: The major costly inputs for rice production are fertilizer and labour.

The increasing cost of fertilizer has forced some farmers to reduce the expected dose to

be applied. This has also affected the yields since fertilizers are note optimally used.

vii)High cost of credit: Microfinance institutions such as the Credit Unions, MC2, and the

Peoples’ Microfinance exist in the zone and their credit facilities are not adaptable due to

high interest rates that attain 24%. This is further compounded by the non adaptation of

grace periods to the income from harvest. The only alternative left are middlemen who

offer credits in return for rice to be collected during harvest period or local “Njangi

groups” that can provide loans for a period of up to one year.

viii) Limited extension services: Farmers complained of absence of extension services in

their area such that they grow rice with no technical support.

ix) Poor rice quality: The quality of milled rice is the result of a chain of factors that are all

inter-connected, moving from farm through processing to market. The planting of mixed

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varieties in the same fields and other poor management practices cause uneven maturity,

and variable moisture content of the grain. Handling becomes difficult and grain quality is

compromised.

b) Level of post harvest handling and processing

i) The drying of paddy rice on the bare ground or dusty areas significantly compounds

the problems of cleanliness and selection.

ii) Inappropriate rice mills: Most of the small mills currently being used by local

processors are crude, resulting in poor quality rice even with good quality paddy.

Superior processing plants such as that which is used by UNVDA are out of reach for

many processors since they are expensive.

c) Level of marketing

i) Low market share / returns: The consumption of locally produced rice is

however still limited due to compromise on quality. Market share of locally

produced rice remains low due to the fact that most farmers grow multiple

varieties which are not separated during harvesting and processing, and yet

international markets demand specified rice. Apart from the production zone

of Ndop where the “Ndop rice” is readily available, it accounts for less than

2% of rice sold in the shops in Urban Centers.

ii) Low price offer: While imported white rice (Basmati 5% broken grains) is

sold at 380fcfa/kg in Bamenda, “Ndop rice” can only fetch 360fcfa/kg

(wholesale prices). Rice milled from small private mills is bought at an

average price of 316fcfa/kg.

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iii) Unorganized marketing channel: Sales of paddy rice are done at farm-gate or

through local collectors and millers who visit homes and farms. Exports of

processed rice to countries such as Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are mostly

through informal markets. No mechanism for standardization and pricing

exist.

4.10.2 Opportunities

The following are the identified opportunities available for exploitation.

a) Availability of support services: The availability of improved seeds from IRAD, farm

mechanization facilities offered by UNVDA and loan facilities offered by existing

microfinance institutions can positively impact on rice production and productivity if

they are exploited.

b) The availability of arable land for expansion: Out of the 15,036.86 hectares of available

land only 2970.51 hectares are under cultivation. There is still land available for

expansion.

c) Availability of irrigation infrastructure: The existent of a dam that can provide water for

irrigation all year round is an advantage to be folly exploited. Hence rice cultivation can

be carried out even twice a year.

d) Favourable agro ecology: Ndop plain provides a favorable climate, less strenuous

topography and fertile soils for the cultivation of rice.

e) Consumption deficit: The increase in population implies an increase in excess demand.

Therefore there is an existing market for rice at the local and international level.

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CHAPTER FIVE

5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 CONCLUSION

This study has revealed that locally produced rice from Ndop can compete favorably with

rice imported if certain aspects of the value chain are redressed. Literature on value chain was

presented briefly to serve as a foundation. In addition, the research defined the distributions of

revenue, cost and profit by employing the concepts of margin and added cost. Shortcomings

identified included; low profit margin to the farmers due to high cost of inputs especially labour

and fertilizers, poor grain quality due to inappropriate production, handling and processing

techniques, and low benefit/cost ratio for locally produced rice though yields are comparatively

high. The studies also revealed that though there is a multitude of actors and stakeholders

intervening in the rice value chain, their activities remain largely uncoordinated.

5.2 RECOMMENDATION

The Ndop rice value chain needs to be organized. The state needs to increase investment in

the rice production, processing and distribution system in order to improve the volume and the

quality of rice. This will make the country to gain competitive advantage in the national and even

regional markets. In order for the local rice industry to develop in a sustainable manner, the

following issues should be addressed- improvement in quantity of rice production, reduction of

cost of production, improvement in quality of rice produced, organization of input acquisition

and marketing, the provision of adapted credit facilities, and the establishment of a publicity

strategy for rice produced locally.

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For the improvement in quantity of rice produced; more land should be developed and more

investment should be geared towards land development. This will increase the amount of land

available for cultivation. This calls for heavy investment in infrastructure and equipment. The

use of appropriate inputs such as fertilizers and improved seeds should be encouraged.

Regarding the reduction in the cost of production with respect to fertilizers and labour costs,

government could intervention to reduce the cost of fertilizer through reduction of related taxes

and the elimination of certain transactional costs. Concerning the reduction in labour cost, the

mechanization of agricultural operations is needed. The government should put in place a tax

incentive for the acquisition of the appropriate agricultural machinery. In the short run the

equipment pool of UNVDA could also be increased so that more machines are made available

for farmers to hire at affordable costs.

For the improvement in quality of rice produced, actions should be taken to assure that

good quality seeds are used appropriately and by all producers. This can be done by separating

the various varieties during planting, harvesting and processing because the different varieties

have physiological differences. This will improve on the quality of the rice. Investment in

appropriate processing plants that can execute the essential quality assurance activities such as

sorting winnowing, hulling, grading and packaging will greatly improve on the grain quality.

Locally produced rice generally suffers from price discounts. However, local rice milled using

the modern huller at UNVDA attracts a better price than that which is processed from simple

hullers. Using modern mills will greatly reduced the price discount suffered by locally produced

rice. Millers should be trained on proper handling and milling techniques. The Rice farmers’

federation can facilitate the acquisition of modern hullers by the Rice cooperatives. The

government can also assist through subventions and/or soft loans.

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Considering the proper organization of input acquisition and marketing, the establishment of

input and marketing contracts should be encouraged to assure acquisition of inputs downstream

and the sales of produce upstream. Collection centers should be established to control the

calibration instrument. A market information system should be established. This will boost

credibility in the building of economic partnership contracts. Knowledge sharing will be

enhanced.

Concerning the provision of credit facilities to the actors, existing microfinance

institutions should tailor their products such as to attract rice farmers. Credit to farmers should

respect farming calendar and the interest rate should be attractive. This will also entail

sensitization and education of farmers towards using formal financial institutions.

With regards to the establishment of a publicity strategy for rice produced locally, periodic

exhibitions should be organized for locally produced rice. Advertisement should be carried out

using the mass media. Public demonstrations on the preparation of locally produced rice should

be carried out. Packaging should be improved upon to make the product more attractive.

5.3 LIMITATIONS TO THE STUDY AND FUTURE RESEARCH

The Ndop rice value chain does not end in the Ndop plain or the Northwest Region. It

extends to the whole country and even beyond. It even includes importers of inputs who serve as

wholesalers. The current research however could not be conducted to cover the whole Country

due to time and financial constraints. Therefore, future research should be performed with data

collected for the whole country and the study should involve rice produced all over Cameroon.

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The sustainable development of the local rice industry demands not only an understanding

of the value chain for the production of rice but also an assessment of the competitive advantages

of the industry since Cameroon is not the only place where rice is produced and exported. Also,

all the by-products should be considered as outputs. Such issues, therefore, could serve as

potential research areas in the future.

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ANNEXES

Annex 1 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR RICE VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS

a) QUESTIONNAIRES FOR RICE FARMERS

Location of farmer------------------------ (village)

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1. How many hectares are you operating? …

2. Are you culturing under

Swamp rice upland rice both

3. How long does a crop last from the beginning to the harvesting day? …………………..

4. How many crops do you operate per year?

1 per year 2 per year

5. When does it start and end?

1st crop starts on …….. and ends on ……….

2nd crop starts on …….. and ends on ……….

6. what is the technical process of rice production.Activity/ item Cost/ha fcfa. comments

total7. What is the average yield/hectare obtained------in tons?8. Where do you acquire your seeds? ………………

UNVDA other farmers Self made

9. Why do you choose the seed spplier / supply source?

Lower price higher quality Near your home Home delivery Other reasons (specify……)

10. Do you use improved seedsYes No

Type source Unit price Reason for preference

11. If No, why?----------------------------------

12. Do you use fertilizers and herbicides? Yes No

13. if yes Where do you acquire these input (fertilizer, herbicides)? ……………… UNVDA. Private shops. Others �…………specify14. Why do you choose the input supplier / supply source?

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Lower price Higher quality Near your home Home delivery Other reasons (like ….)

Type source price Reason for preference

15. If No why----------------------------------Do you sign any input supply contracts? Yes No If yes, for which input and why? -input ---------------------Reason-------------------------- input ---------------------Reason-------------------------- input ---------------------Reason--------------------------If no, Why---------------------------------

16. To whom do you sell your paddy rice? Middleman UNVDA � Processor Local market Others (specify…..……) What % do you sell to each buyer? 17Middleman …..% Processor ……% Local market ……% Others …….% 18Do you sign legal contract with your buyers? Yes No If yes Why?--------------------------------If No Why? ---------------------------------

19. Have you ever requested for loans from bank / financial institution? Yes No If No Why? ----------------------------20. Have you been accorded such loans? �Yes No If No, why? --------------------------------------------------------------21. Do you receive trainings on cultivation techniques?Yes No 22. If yes, from whom do you learn? Extension staff UNVDA Other farmers �Other sources 23. Are you satisfy the trainings received?Yes No25. If yes why? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26. If No why? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------27 During planting and harvesting do you separate the different varieties Yes No If yes why? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If No why? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------28. Do you receive any supports from middlemen/processors? Yes No If yes, what type of support?…………………………………………………………

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29. Do government agencies / NGO / APEX structure offer any aid programs to you farmers? Yes No If yes, what are they? …………………………………………Government agencies (MINADER, RESEARCH / NGO/ APEX structure/UNVDA

TYPE OF SERVICES COMMENTS

30. Do you seek for market information related to your business? Yes No If yes, what information are you most interested in? ……………….. Where can you find the information you need? Mass media Other farmers �Other sources --------specify31. Do you use any services dedicated to your RICE farming? …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 32. Do you have to comply with any regulations during your RICE farming? …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 33. What difficulties do you encounter as a rice farmer? …………………………………………………………………………………………..

b) Questionnaire for rice collectors /assemblers

Identification of respondentLOCATION ----------------------------------

CONTACT--------------------------------------

COLLECTION/SALES1 Where do you collect paddy rice? ------------------------------------------

2. Where do you sell collected paddy rice? --------------------------------------

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Place ofcollection

Place of sale/supply

distance Purchase cost/100kg bag

Transportation cost/100kg bag

Other charges

Selling price of 100kg bag

3. How do you come in contact with the farmers?Cell phoneFarmers’ leaderAgents

4. What support do you give to the farmer-customer?MaterialFinancial (loan)both

5. What conditions do you consider when buying paddy (prioritize)1, 2, 3RoadPriceQualityOthers (specify) -----------------

6. DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED AND PROPOSED SOLUTIONS Difficulties encountered Proposed solution

6. Other relevant comments.

c) QUESTIONNAIRE FOR RICE VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS

RICE MILLERS IN NDOP AND BAMENDAIdentification of respondent

Name of enterprise ---------------------------------------------------------Location--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Contact -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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1. DO YOU MILL NDOP RICE? YES NO IF NO WHY (END INTERVIEW): -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------IF YES (CONTINUE). CHARACTERISTIC OF MILL / ACTIVITIES2. What is the capacity of your mill (No of tons/hour): ---------------------------

3. Operations conductedSorting Winnowing CleaningHullingGradingPackaging

4. What is the cost of the various operations carried out Unit cost –100kg bagSorting CleaningHullingGradingPackaging

5. Source / cost paddy of paddySupplied by farmerSupplied by intermediaryPurchased at farm gate ------------- indicate cost of transportation per 100kg

6. Cost of acquisition of paddy rice at the mill------------------------(bag of 100kg)

at the source--------------------(bag of 100kg)

other costs incurred( Characteristics and unit)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7. Quality of paddy

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Excellent ------------------------------------------reason ---------------------------------------------------

Good. -----------------------------------------------Reason---------------------------------------------------

Bad -------------------------------------------------reason----------------------------------------------------

Very bad -------------------------------------------reason----------------------------------------------

8. Availability of paddy rice (indicate the most appropriate)Always availablyOnly during harvest

9. Who are your customers (prioritize) (1, 2, 3,)

wholesalersretailersconsumers

10. Average selling price

during harvest period-----------------per kg

off season----------------------per kg

11. Other problems encountered/propose solution or recommendations

12. Conversion rate of milled rice to paddy

100KG PADDY == WHITE RICE ------KG PRICE /KG

RICE BRAND-----KG PRICE/KG

OTHRES (SPECIFY) -----KG PRICE /KG

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QUESTIONNAIRE FOR RICE VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS

d) WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERIdentification of respondent

1 Name of interprise ---------------------------------------------------------(optional)2. Location--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3. Contact -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wholesaler retailer both

4. Do you sell Ndop Rice? YES: NO

5.IF NO WHY:------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6.IF YES WHY------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7. What are the other types of white rice being sold by your enterprise.---------------------------------------------------source ---------------------------unit price of sales----------50kg----------------------------------------------------source-------------------------- unit price of sales----------50kg----------------------------------------------------source-------------------------- unit price of sales----------50kg----------------------------------------------------source-------------------------- unit price of sales----------50kg

8.Where do you get the Ndop rice you sell?: UNVDA millers wholesaler s

Other intermediaries (specify) a) ----------------------b) -----------------------------

9. COST OF PURCHASE/CHARGES (per 50kg bag)TYPE OF RICE

PURCHASE COST

TRANSPORT MARKETING STORAGE OTHERS SELLING PRICE

Ndop rice

Imported white rice (specify)

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branda)

b)

c)

d)

10. Is Ndop rice always available?(tick where appropriate)

-During harvest period only.-Always.

11. Percentage of Ndop rice sold with respect to total sales within the last year

Other problems encountered/propose solution or recommendations or general comments on Ndop rice.

Thank you.

NAME OF RESPONDENT/ SIGNATURE WHERE POSSIBLE

e) QUESTIONNAIRE FOR RICE VALUE CHAIN ANALYSISMAJOR RICE CONSUMERS (BAMENDA)CHARACTERISTIC OF RESPONDENT

HOTEL / RESTAURANTS

HOUSEHOLD

1. Do you consume NDOP rice? Yes No If No, why?

………………………………………………………………………….

If yes continue2. Source of Ndop rice UNVDA millers wholesalers retailer OTHERS (specify) -------------

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3. Purchase priceUnit price per 50kgsource miller retailer WholesalerImported white riceNdop rice

4. Availability of Ndop rice

-During harvest period only.-Always.

5. Comment on quality. Satisfy Not satisfy Indifferent

6. Reasons: taste cookability cleanliness grain size

Others (specify):-------------------------------------------------------------

OTHER COMMENTS:

ANNEX II Ndop Rice cultivation Zones

SECTOR Cultivated surface areas in hectares.

Developed Traditional Total2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012

1 MONOUN

231 231 239,91

0 0 36,76 231 231 276.67

2 BANGOLAN

342,31 361,56 358,18

101,05

100 82,95 443,36 461.56 441.13

3 BABUNGO

0 10,78 139,8 202,19

208,96 239,16 202,19 219.74 378.96

4 LOWER BAMUNKA

547,11 547,11 547,11

524,06

446,7 486,64 1.071,17

993,81 1033.75

5 UPPER BAMUNKA

183,5 201,5 214 502,9 544 626 686,4 745.5 840

TOTAL 1,303.9 1,351.9 1,499 1,330. 1,299.6 1,471.5 2,634.1 2,651.6 2,970.5

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2 5 2 6 1 2 1 1

Annex III Evolution of Rice yields from various Countries.

AUTHOR AREA / COUNTRY

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007 2008

2009

2010

2011

THIS STUDY Ndop 3.5 3.5 2.5 4.0 4.0 3.6 2.5 4.0 3.5 4.0 4.9FAO (2011) Cameroon 3 3 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.3 1 1 1.2 1.2 FAO (2011) Africa 2.3 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.6 2.4 2.5 FAO (2011) India 2.8 3.1 2.6 3.1 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.3 3.2 3.4 FAO (2011) Thailand 2.6 2.8 2.9 2.9 2.8 3 2.9 3 3 2.9 2.9 FAO (2011) China 6.2 6.1 6.1 6 6.3 6.2 6.2 6.4 6.5 6.5 6.5

PARKISTAN 5.55VIETNAM(2011)

5.8

ANNEX IV Evolution of rice farmers in Ndop.

SECTOR Number of rice farmers CIGMale Female TOTAL Number Members

2010

2011

2012

2010

2011

2012

2010

2011

2012

2010

2011

2012

2010

2011

2012

1 MONOUN

446 446

468

395 395

550

841 841 1018

36 36 36 505 505 749

2 BANGOLAN

549 660

527

713 659

651

1.262

1319

1188

38 40 38 754 787 809

3 BABUNGO

460 498

929

377 400

595

837 898 1524

12 15 22 346 392 496

4 LOWER BAMUNKA

1.445

1440

1939

1,533

1627

1813

2.978

3067

3452

69 73 64 1,658

1,815

1,369

5 UPPER BAMUNKA

2.510

2913

2634

2.386

2589

2487

4.896

5502

5121

95 97 79 3.240

2923

2,332

TOTAL 5.440

5957

6196

5,404

5670

6096

10,814

11627

1,2303

250

261

238

6,503

6,422

5,755

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ANNEX V Rice seed production in Ndop

SERVICE FOR CONTROL OF AGRICULTURAL INPUTS AND PRODUCTSBUREAU FOR SEED CERTIFICATION

Certified rice seeds produced in 2012

RICE1 MAFAC CIG Ngoketnjia Babungo Oryza s. TOX'S-4532 Certified 5 252 MAFAC CIG Ngoketnjia Babungo Oryza s. TOX'S-4538 Certified 5 303 NGWANA GENESIS Ngoketnjia Bamuka Oryza s. TOX'S-3145 Certified 1 104 NDUMCHUNG BENEDICTA Ngoketnjia Bamuka Oryza s. TOX'S-3145 Certified 1 55 Ngoketunjia milla Union CIG Ngoketnjia Bamuka Oryza s. TOX'S-3145 Certified 2 2.56 Ngoketunjia milla Union CIG Ngoketnjia Bamuka Oryza s. NERICA-3 Certified 2 27 BEFANG GREEN RICE Menchum BEFANG Oryza s. TOX Certified 1 28 FON CHO ERIC Mezam Obang Oryza s. TOX-3145 Certified 2 59 CHE ANDREW Mezam Obang Oryza s. TOX-3145 Certified 1.5 2.5

10 Che Festus Ambe Mezam Obang Oryza s. NYLON Certified 0.5 111 Mucangeng Rice C.I.G Agulli Menchum Agulli Mile 37 Oryza s. TOX Commercial 1 212 New Rice For Africa Union C.IG Ngoketnjia Bamuka Oryza s. Nerica rice 4256 Certified 1 513 Ngoketunjia-Ndop-Bambalang Ngoketnjia Bambalang Oryza s. TOX-3145 Certified 1 8

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ANNEX VI Determination of cost, and added value and profit of actors.

Analysis of cost items for rice collectorss/n Activity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 mean

1 purchase18,50

019,20

018,00

018,30

018,60

018,20

018,00

018,30

018,40

018,50

018,60

019,00

0 18,400 18,4622 transportation 150 100 100 150 150 150 125 100 100 100 100 150 100 121.153 bag 250 200 200 150 150 150 150 200 250 200 200 150 150 184.615

4storage/ overhead 250 200 220 250 180 225 240 250 250 250 200 220 250 229.615

total

19,150

19,700

18,520

18,850

19,080

18,725

18,515

18,850

19,000

19,050

19,100

19,520 18,900

18996.92

Total cost to produce 100kg of white rice 18996.

9Total cost to produce 100kg of white rice

189.96

s/n Activity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 132 transportation 150 100 100 150 150 150 125 100 100 100 100 150 1003 bag 250 200 200 150 150 150 150 200 250 200 200 150 150

4storage/ overhead 250 200 220 250 180 225 240 250 250 250 200 220 250

total 650 500 520 550 480 525 515 550 600 550 500 520 320Value added to produce 100kg of white rice. 521.53 52.1 Value added to produce 100kg of white rice.

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b) Cost structure for millers collecting directly from farmers.Activities meanpurchase cost 18500 18000 17600 18600 19500 18200 18500 18800 18462.5transportation 1200 1250 1200 1500 1400 1200 1500 2000 1406.25drying 500 450 500 500 650 500 500 550 518.75hulling 1587.302 1587.302 1587.302 1587.302 1587.302 1587.3 1587.302 1587.3016 1587.302packaging 1200 800 900 800 900 600 800 1100 887.5

storage/overhead 1600 1800 1800 1750 1700 1700 1800 1925 1759.375total for 100kg 24587.302 23887.3 23587.3 24737.3 25737.3 23787.3 24687.302 25962.301 24621.68Average total to process cost of 100kg 24621.676Average total cost to process 1kg of white rice 246.216

activity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8transportation 1200 1250 1200 1500 1400 1200 1500 2000drying 500 450 500 500 650 500 500 550hulling 1587.302 1587.302 1587.302 1587.302 1587.302 1587.3 1587.302 1587.30packaging 1200 800 900 800 900 600 800 1100

storage/overhead 1600 1800 1745 1800 1700 1700 1700 1600total for 100kg 6087.302 5887.302 5932.302 6187.302 6237.302 5587.3 6087.302 6837.3016

Added cost on 100kg 6105.426Added value for

1kg of white rice 61.0542

Cost structure for middlemen (millers) collecting paddy rice from intermediary

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purchase cost 19500 21000 21000 19500 19500 21000 19500 20000transportation 1200 1250 1200 1500 1400 1200 1500 2000drying 500 450 500 500 650 500 500 550hulling 1587.302 1587.302 1587.302 1587.302 1587.302 1587.3 1587.302 1587.3016packagging 1200 800 900 800 900 600 800 1100

storage/overhead 1600 1800 1800 1750 1700 1700 1800 1925

total for 100kg 25587.302 26887.3 26987.3 25637.3 25737.3 26587.3 25687.302 27162.30cost of 100kg 26284.176cost of 1kg 262.541

added value

activity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

transportation 1200 1250 1200 1500 1400 1200 1500 2000drying 500 450 500 500 650 500 500 550hulling 1587.302 1587.302 1587.302 1587.302 1587.302 1587.3 1587.302 1587.30

packagging 1200 800 900 800 900 600 800 1100storage/overhead 1600 1800 1745 1800 1700 1700 1700 1600

6087.302 5887.302 5932.302 6187.302 6237.302 5587.3 6087.302 6837.30Added cost on 100kg 6105.426fcfaAdded value for 1kg

of white rice 61.05426 fcfa

wholesalerwholesaler for UNVDA Riefor UNVDA RiePurchase 320.49overhead 13.9TOTAL 334.39

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local milled ricepurchase 777.77overhead 13.9TOTAL 791.67

Retailer

For UNVDA RicePurchase 349.19overhead 7.56TOTAL 356.75local milled ricePurchase 305.99overhead 7.56TOTAL 313.55

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Annex VII Map of the North West Region.

ANNEX VIII Relevant information revealed by farmers

ITEM DESCRIPTION NUMBER PERCENTAGEUse of improved seed

48 out of 50 responded 36 75%

Source of improved seeds

48 out of 50 responded Other farmers =26Self=3UNVDA =7

72%8%19%

Use of fertilizer 48 out of 50 responded 48 farmer 100%Source of fertilizer 48 out of 50 responded UNVDA =32 farmers 66%

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Private shops =12 34%Reasons for purchase of fertilizer from UNVDA

32 out 48 who purchased Low prices =23Home delivery=2High quality= 2Low price and home delivery=3Low price and higher quality=2

71%6%6%9%6%

Existence of input contracts

46 out of 50 farmers Yes = 27 ( 21 with UNVDA)No=19

58%42%

Marketing of paddy rice by farmers.

48 out of 50 farmers UNVDA=13Middlemen= 23Processors= 7UNVDA and processors=4UNVDA, and middlemen=4UNVDA, processors, middlemen=7

27%47%14%8%8%14%

Existence of marketing contracts.

48 out of 50 farmers Yes = 17 – to pay back loans No.= 31 - fear of price fluctuation

35%

65%

Benefit from Credit facility- loans

44 out 50 farmers Yes = 42No= 2

95%5%

Support services received

Demand for loans 44 out of 50 Yes =31No. =13

70%30%

i)Source of loan.42 out of 44 farmers Njangi = 11

Credit Union= 9MC2= 3Njangi &credit Union= 11Njangi &MC2= 5Others (commercial banks)=3

26%21%7%26%11%7%

ii)Capacity building trainings

43 out of 44 farmers UNVDA = 23MINADER staff = 13NGO =2MINADER&UNVDA =3UNVDA & NGO =2

53%30%4%6%4%

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III) Input and equipment

18 out 43 farmers MINADER= 15NGO =3

83%17%

iv)Existence of special rules and regulation

35 out of 44 Yes=11No=24

31%69%

Information: type and source.

44 Type: Prices of input, new varietiesSource : mass media, other farmers

Production Constraints noted(prioritized)

High cost of inputsWater controlAccess to creditInsufficient land

Marketing constraints

Marketing not organizedAvailability of market information