The potential for the participation of Nigeria in global horticulture value chains

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers inhibiting horticulture product export from Nigeria, particularly to the UK, and identify those requiring resolution if global horticulture value chains (GHVCs) are to contribute to economic growth in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach - A single-case (embedded) research design was adopted. In total, 26 participants from five stakeholder groups (namely, farmers, exporters, air freight forwarders, aviation operators and government institutions) were selected for investigation to examine the research problem. Findings - The empirical investigation showed that: the existing institutional framework, infrastructure and logistics issues, market penetration issues, stakeholders’ incompetence, food safety and quality issues, high transaction costs, operational challenges of exporting, neglect of agriculture and the existing airline market structure are prominent barriers that require resolution if horticultural product exports are to increase. Research limitations/implications - The study focuses on the analysis of five key stakeholder groups upstream in the supply chain. Further investigation should include stakeholders downstream (importers, wholesalers and retailers). Originality/value - The specific case study of horticultural product export from Nigeria offers empirically rich insights into the barriers hindering the participation of Nigeria in GHVCs.