Analysis of Supply Chain Dynamics and Value Addition in the Dried Fish Industry in Borno and Yobe States

Dried fish is a critical protein commodity in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, linking fishing communities in the Lake Chad basin to consumers across the region, yet the supply chain structure and value addition opportunities in this industry are poorly documented. This study analyses the supply chain organisation, value addition steps, actor relationships, and margin distribution in the dried fish industry spanning the Lake Chad basin landing sites in Borno and Yobe States. Primary data were collected through structured interviews with 110 supply chain actors, including fishers, processors, wholesalers, and retailers, selected through snowball sampling. Value chain mapping was performed using an adapted FAO value chain analysis framework. Results documented a four-tier supply chain in which fishers receive only 22% of final retail value, with the remainder distributed among processors (18%), wholesalers (31%), and retailers (29%). Women dominate processing and retail tiers, while men control harvesting and long-distance wholesaling. Drying is the sole value addition step employed, with no upgrading to higher-value products such as smoked or spiced dried fish observed in the chain. The study identifies three leverage points for improving supply chain equity and value addition: improved solar drying technology adoption, the establishment of collective marketing arrangements for fishers, and product development support for women processors. Policy recommendations are directed at the Borno and Yobe State Agricultural Development Programmes.

Keywords: dried fish, supply chain, value addition, Lake Chad, North East Nigeria