Agro-based industrial linkages: evidences from the cotton and textile industry in the Agrarian Funtua region of Katsina State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study examined at local level the role of cotton and textile industrial linkage in employment opportunities in the cotton value added chain in Funtua region of Katsina State. An interview and direct observation method of data collection methods were typically undertaken to learn about the cotton and industrial processes and how they give rise to their respective products and by-products. Seven (7) agro-based industries were identified and visited in their various locations in the study area were purposively selected. The study investigated the forward and backward linkages processes that the five (5) active cotton and textile industry agreed to. Results indicated that few cotton and textile industry had folded up but majority of them are operating at low capacity most especially Funtua textile Limited that is currently hit with high cost of production, poor raw material supply, erratic power supply and lack of government support. The study identified the existence of weakness in backward linkage of agriculture in the developing economy of the study area. Finally, the conclusion offers suggestions that the weakness in the backward linkage can be alleviated when local farmers are empowered, by introducing them into mechanized system of farming, providing them with farm inputs and market opportunities. This would amount to making the study area an economic ‘growth pole’ for the northwest geo-political zone.