Quality and Constraints in Smallholder Egg Value Chain of Greater Port Harcourt City, Nigeria

Abstract

Egg quality and constraints in smallholder egg chain in Greater Port Harcourt City (GPHC) were assessed in 3 of the 8 Local Governments. Forty-seven farmers were surveyed with questionnaires while 22 actors were interviewed in-depth. Thirty eggs per grade were used to get the weight per egg. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results show that farmers use 5-grade, size-based system, to market eggs for better prices. Vital quality parameters were size>shell>colour>cleanliness>weight. Consumers prefer brown eggs. Farmers faced input-based, management and infrastructure-related constraints. Other stakeholders face quality, financing, handling and marketing challenges. There are opportunities for introducing chain coordination, quality control, machine-based grading, grade-based pricing, cooperatives, staff motivation, and jumbo brown eggs are opportunities.