Analysis of Yam Marketing in Ngwa Road Market, Abia State, Nigeria

Year 2021, Volume: 4 Issue: 1, 33 - 40, 01.01.2021

Ifeanyı Moses Kanu , Felix Okezie Onwukwe , Joy Chika Maduforo

Abstract

This project analyzed yam marketing in Ahiaohuru, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. The research employed random sampling technique to select 80 yam marketers in the study area. Results from socio economic characteristics of the respondents’ shows that total of 62.5% of the yam marketers were males; while the other 37.5% were females. Total revenue accruable from yam sales by the 80 randomly selected marketers was N620,793.12; while the total cost items was N680,293.25. The net profit gave a negative value of – N59,500.12. This shows that the yam marketer’s expenses exceed their revenue. Similarly, 69.36% of the cost items went to the purchase of yams which was a major variable cost. The respondents’ sex, marital status, source of start-up capital and total sales obtained were the significant variables influencing income from yam marketing in the study area. Lack of capital, high cost of labour, poor storage facilities, perishability of yam, high cost of transportation and unfavourable market prices were the notable constraints limiting efficiency of yam marketing in the study area. Since yam marketing in the study area was not profitable, measures should be taken to reduce associated cost of marketing. In this regard, the government and other organizations should extend a hand of fellowship to yam marketers by fostering grants and single digit loans.

Keywords

Yam marketing, Market structure, Cost and returns, Determinants of income, Nigeria

References

• Audu T. 2009. Gender Dimensions of Agriculture, Poverty, Nutrition and Food Security in Nigeria. Nigeria
• Babaleye T. 2003. West Africa; Improving Yam Production Technology. ANB – BIA supplement Issue/Edition No. 463.
• Chinaka EC, Emereole CO. 2013. Women in yam production in Imo State, Nigeria. Proceedings of the 40th Conference of the Agricultural Society of Nigeria pp 614 – 617.
• Dimelu MU, Okoye AC Okoye BC, Agwu AE, Aniedu OC, Akinpelu AO. 2009. Determinants of Gender Efficiency of Small-Holder Cocoyam Farmers in Nsukka Agricultural zone of Enugu State Nigeria. J Sci Res Essay, 4(1): 28-32.
• FAO. 2002. Food and Agriculture Organization year book Vol 56.
• Kalu BR, Erhabor PO. 1992. Production and Economic evaluation of white guinea yam minisett under ridge and bed production system in a tropical guinea savanna location, Nigeria. Trop Agri, Trinidad, 61: 78-81.
• Nwaru JC, Iheke OR. 2010. Comparative analysis of resource use efficiency in rice production systems in Abia State of Nigeria. J American Sci, 6(11).
• Oke OL. 1990. Roots, Tubers, Plantain and Bananas in Human Nutrition, FAO Food and Nutrition Series No. 24.
• Omojola JT. 2014. Gross margin analysis and constraints to yam production in Osun State, Nigeria. World J Agri, 2(4): 62-68.
• Tiku NE, Olukosi JO, Agbogo EA. 2015. Analysis of market integration and price communication For palm oil marketing in Cross River State, Nigeria. The Nigerian Acad Forum, 19(3): 109-114.
• USDA. 2012. United State Department of Agriculture, National Nutrient Data Base. www.nutrition-and-you-com (accessed date: September 23, 2020).
• World Bank. 2007. Policies for Pro-Poor Agricultural Growth, Africa Region, World Bank Washington D.C. Mimeographed.