Agro-based Industries

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy of the people in the district, particularly the men folk. However, their women counterparts are mostly involved in some small-scale agro-based industries either as part-time or for cash. Women are engaged in shea-butter production, cotton ginning and weaving of local cloths, pottery and soap making. These are done on a small-scale but there is a great potential their development.

Storage

Farmers store their farm produce in mud silos or some structures built with grass known as barns. There are no improved storage systems in the district. These silos and barns are never good storage facilities. As a result, farmers prefer selling their produce immediately after harvest.

However, attempts would be made to encourage individual farmers to construct improved mud silos with financial and technical assistance from donor agencies. There are some abandoned silos at Chagbani, which could be re-activated and rented to farmers for storage purposes. Appeals would be made to Non-Govemmental Organisations (NGOs) and development partners provide grain banks or community silos to store food surpluses thereby reducing post-harvest losses under the four (3)-year medium term development plan.

Market Infrastructure

Market infrastructure comprising the physical space, stores, stalls and sheds, storage delivery bays and access roads constitute an important component of the development of rural economies. There are two large markets in the district located at Saboba and Chereponi. Other markets in the district include Wapuli market, Sambuli market, Wenchiki market, Kpalba market, Gbangbanpong market, Garinkuka market, Demon market and Natagu market. These markets are organized on every six days on periodic basis.

In Saboba District, there are two large markets in the district capital located at Saboba and Chereponi with the following facilities: (a) lockable store types 1 and 2, (b) stall types 1 and 2, (c) butchers shop, (d) 10-seater KVIP, (e) urinals and (f) solid waste holding bays. The Wenchiki and Wapuli markets have stores and stalls respectively.

There are no stalls in other markets apart from grass sheds sometimes erected by the traders themselves. In some cases, markets are sometimes held under trees. The problem of inadequate market structures is further compounded by the accessibility to these markets during certain times of the year (i.e. rainy season). Attempts would therefore be pursued to put up market stalls at Demon and Wonjoga.

Trading Outlets

There is no major trading outlet in the district. Most of the essential needs of the people are brought from Yendi, traveling quite a long distance (i.e. 58-km away). There are no large stores. However, with the construction of two large markets at Saboba and Chereponi, the problem of trading outlets would be solved. It should be noted that in almost every village, one could get someone selling some basic needs of the people. Petty trading is picking up momentum in the district.