Economics of <i>Irvingia</i> marketing in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on the economics of Irvingia species marketing in Njaba Local Government Area, Imo State. A Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 80 respondents comprising 40 wholesalers and 40 retailers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis. Marketing margins, and efficiency of the respondents were estimated. Results indicate that trade in Irvingia species is dominated by females who are married with small house holdings. The trade was found to be profitable. The significant factors affecting net returns on the marketing of Irvingia spp directly for the retailers include level of education, marketing experience and age while cost of purchase had an indirect effect on the net returns of Irvingia spp. The wholesalers were affected positively by gender, marital status and household size while age and marketing experience had negative effect on the net returns of Irvingia spp in the study area. The marketers also faced some problems that constrained their performance. They include factors such as lack of transport, bad road, high transport cost, lack of storage facilities, and seasonal fluctuation in supply and financial difficulties. The study calls for policies aimed at provision of free education to enable them access and process marketing  information; appropriate preservation facilities should be provided for the marketers to curb the current rate of post harvest losses during production season  Construction of rural road network is essential to reduce cost and difficulties  associated with transportation of products; adequate credit facility should be  provided for Irvingia species marketers. Provision of bulking centers to improve marketing network, bargaining power, information flow and micro enterprise  development .