Implementation of Traceability Systems in the Groundnut Value Chain in Katsina State, North West Nigeria

Food traceability systems enable the tracking of food products across all stages of production, processing, and distribution, facilitating rapid response to food safety incidents and supporting market access to premium export markets. In Nigeria's groundnut value chain, traceability infrastructure remains largely underdeveloped, limiting export competitiveness and food safety management capacity. This study assessed the implementation status and feasibility of traceability system adoption across the groundnut value chain in Katsina State, involving 180 actors from farmer, aggregator, processor, and export trader segments. Structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and supply chain mapping exercises were employed. Awareness of traceability concepts, current record-keeping practices, technology access, and willingness to adopt were assessed. Results showed that traceability awareness was absent among 78 percent of farmers and 52 percent of aggregators. Record keeping was informal and largely absent at the farm level. Processors and exporters demonstrated greater awareness but cited high implementation costs as a barrier. Willingness to adopt simple mobile phone-based tracking solutions was high among processors (72 percent) and aggregators (60 percent) if supported by buyers or government programmes. The study recommends a phased, government-supported traceability pilot using existing mobile phone penetration infrastructure in Katsina State, targeting the export-oriented groundnut segment. Keywords: traceability, groundnut, value chain, food safety, Katsina.