Strategic Alliances and Competitive Performance of Agribusiness Firms in Benue State

This study explores the role of strategic alliances in enhancing the competitive performance of agribusiness firms in Benue State, Nigeria. Known as Nigeria's food basket, Benue State in the North Central zone is home to a large network of agricultural enterprises facing challenges related to market access, logistics, and value chain coordination. The research adopts a descriptive survey design, targeting agribusiness owners and cooperative managers across Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo. A structured questionnaire was administered to 95 respondents selected through cluster sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation. Findings indicate that strategic alliances, particularly cooperative arrangements with input suppliers, processing companies, and export facilitators, significantly enhance the competitive standing of agribusinesses. Firms involved in formal alliance networks report higher yield-to-market ratios, better price negotiation outcomes, and improved access to agricultural financing. The study identifies trust deficits and poor contractual enforcement as the primary barriers to effective alliance formation. The research concludes that agribusiness firms in Benue State must adopt formalized alliance frameworks supported by legal safeguards and capacity-building programs. Recommendations include government facilitation of agribusiness alliance hubs and extension services on cooperative management. Keywords: strategic alliances, competitive performance, agribusiness, Benue State, cooperative networks.