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Apr 27, 2026Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Structure, Conduct, and Performance Analysis of Processed Rice Marketing in Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Abstract
Understanding the structure, price behaviour, and efficiency of agricultural markets is essential for designing interventions that improve market performance and marketers' welfare. This study examined the market structure, inter-market and seasonal price spread, and marketing efficiency of processed rice in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 180 processed rice marketers (60 wholesalers and 120 retailers) across twelve markets in six Local Government Areas. Data were analyzed using the Gini coefficient, marketing margin analysis, and the Shepherd-Futrell marketing efficiency index. The results showed that the Gini coefficient for processed rice marketers was 0.331 for producers/suppliers, 0.275 for wholesalers, and 0.270 for retailers, indicating a fairly competitive market structure with low concentration and no single group exercising absolute control over the market. Analysis of marketing channels revealed four distinct channels, with the dominant channel being Producers → Wholesalers → Retailers → Consumers (43.3%). Inter-market price spread analysis during the peak season showed that wholesale marketing margins ranged from ₦420 (Ekeukwu, Afikpo South) to ₦4,000 (Eke Imoha, Ezza South), while retail marketing margins ranged from ₦879 (Kpirikpiri, Abakaliki) to ₦3,180 (Abakaliki International Market). During the lean season, wholesale margins increased significantly, ranging from ₦2,000 to ₦5,000, while retail margins ranged from ₦900 to ₦4,299. Marketing efficiency analysis revealed that retailers achieved higher efficiency (60%) compared to wholesalers (67%), as retailers expended less of their sales revenue on marketing costs. The study concludes that processed rice marketing in Ebonyi State operates within a fairly competitive market structure, but significant seasonal price variations and moderate inefficiencies exist. Strengthening market integration, improving storage facilities to stabilize lean season prices, and reducing marketing costs are recommended to enhance market performance.
