Challenges of Food Safety Compliance in Smallholder Agro-Processing in Bauchi State

Food safety compliance is increasingly important for agro-processing enterprises seeking to access regulated urban markets, institutional buyers, and export channels. In Bauchi State, in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone, smallholder agro-processors of groundnut oil, shea butter, and locust bean operate in an informal environment with limited engagement with national food safety regulatory frameworks. This study examines the challenges of food safety compliance among smallholder agro-processing enterprises in Bauchi State and identifies the gap between current practices and regulatory requirements. A sample of 60 agro-processing households and small enterprises was selected using purposive and snowball sampling from three local government areas. A compliance assessment checklist aligned with National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control standards was administered alongside structured questionnaire interviews. Gap analysis and thematic analysis of qualitative data were applied. Results reveal that personal hygiene standards during processing were the most frequently violated compliance category, occurring in 83 percent of observed processing sites. Packaging and labelling requirements were met by only 12 percent of enterprises, largely due to cost constraints. Product testing, a core regulatory requirement, was conducted by fewer than 5 percent of enterprises. Awareness of NAFDAC product registration requirements was low, with 68 percent of respondents unaware of the registration process. The study recommends a simplified smallholder agro-processor registration pathway and subsidised food safety training delivered through Bauchi State's Ministry of Commerce and Cooperative Development. Keywords: food safety compliance, agro-processing, Bauchi State, NAFDAC, smallholder enterprises