Potato Value Chain Programme and Economic Development in Plateau State.
Abstract
This article set out to look at the agricultural programme on potato value chain as it affects the economic development in Plateau State. The programme is tailored towards emphasizing that there should be a link along the various production stages; collection and commercialization of the potato product from its production and distribution to the consumers. The study adopted both primary and secondary method of data collection and establishes that the potato value chain programme through its intervention by the African Development Bank in Plateau state is aimed at building agribusiness economy capable of delivering sustained prosperity in meeting domestic food security goals. It is also aimed at generating exports and supporting sustainable income and job growth with the focus in contributing to employment generation, improvement in the competitiveness of the potato commodity value chain and increase in income of the commodity value chain actors. The study recommended that the linkage to achieve stability in potato production and value chain should be strengthened to increase mass production in the agricultural sector which will in turn contribute to the economic growth and development of the State. Keywords: Potato, Value chain, Programme, Economic development.