Assessment of Small-Scale Private Nursery Enterprises in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Small-scale private nurseries in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, are examined with the purpose of identifying policy options that could further enhance development of the enterprises. A random sample of nurserymen operating in the city was interviewed about their reasons for engaging in the nursery business, types of services rendered by the nurserymen to seedling buyers, duration of nursery establishment, mode of land acquisition, species of seedling produced, factors affecting price of the seedling species, and source and cost of labour. Most of the private nurseries were owned by private individuals engaging in the business for reasons including income generation, as a hobby, and for research. Landscaping was the most common service rendered by the nurserymen; other services included maintenance of private gardens, and supply of seedling to individuals and landscaping contractors. Most of the land used for establishing the nurseries was obtained through lease from the government, with some through purchase and family land. Most of the labour was provided by the nurseries operators, employment of family members and some hired labourers. Seedlings of ornamental plants were in highest demand followed by seedlings of horticultural crops, and forest trees. Requirements for the nursery industry to develop further were identified, including land availability and at affordable price, and affordable interest rates charged by financial institutions on businesses loans. Training programs including workshops and seminars are necessary to keep nursery operators abreast with current techniques of seedling propagation as well as record keeping and business principles. Further, the nurserymen need to embark on strategies that add value to their products.