Analysis of Market Linkages and Value Chain Efficiency in the Kainji Lake Fishery, Niger State

This study analysed market linkages and value chain efficiency in the Kainji Lake fishery, one of Nigeria's largest freshwater fisheries, located across Niger and Kebbi states, with primary data collection centred in the Niger State portion. Value chain inefficiencies reduce the share of final consumer price retained by primary producers, undermining the economic sustainability of artisanal fishing livelihoods. The study applied a value chain analysis framework, mapping actors and flows across six nodes: input supply, production, landing, primary processing, wholesaling, and retailing. Primary data were collected from 88 fishers, 45 processors, 30 wholesalers, and 42 retailers. Results showed that fishers received, on average, only 31 percent of the final consumer retail price for their catch, with processors and wholesalers capturing the highest margins relative to value addition. Price transmission from retail to farmgate was weak, with a correlation coefficient of 0.38, suggesting that fishers do not benefit proportionally from rising retail prices. Cold chain infrastructure was absent from the landing to wholesale node, resulting in estimated post-harvest losses of 19 percent of total catch value. Market information was asymmetric, with traders having superior price intelligence compared to fishers. Cooperative membership improved fisher price realisation by an average of 18 percent. The study recommends the development of digital market information platforms, investment in cold chain infrastructure at Kainji landing sites, and strengthening of fisher cooperative marketing capacity to improve value chain equity and efficiency in the Kainji Lake fishery. Keywords: value chain analysis, market linkages, Kainji Lake, fisheries economics, Niger State