4. Assessment of Dried Plantain Marketing in Akure-North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite the numerous prospects and potentials that the marketing of plantain and its products holds, studies seem not to have existed on the marketing of dried plantain in Nigeria. Although several researches have been conducted to examine the economics of plantain processing and marketing, there appears to be a paucity of knowledge with respect to dried plantain marketing. It is on this premise that this study assess the marketing of dried plantain in Akure-North Local government of Ondo State, Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study include: examining the market structure and conduct of dried plantain market, estimating the profitability of dried plantain marketing, identifying the factors that influence the profitability of dried plantain marketing and identifying the various constraints militating against dried plantain marketing. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred respondents in the study area and well-structured questionnaires were administered to collect relevant data. Gini-coefficient, regression analysis and gross margin analysis were used to analyse the data collected for the study. The results from the analysis showed that 58% of the marketers were within their economic productive age. About 54% of the marketers were females and a total of 65% were married. Analysis revealed that the dried plantain market was dominated by retailers which accounted for 50% of the marketers. A Gini-coefficient of 0.6 is an indication of high-level concentration in dried plantain market and an unequal income distribution among the marketers. The profitability analysis revealed further that dried plantain marketing is worthwhile with an average profit of ₦24,730 per month and a return of 18% or ₦0.18, for every ₦1 invested. The significant profitability determinants identified from the regression analysis include purchase cost and transportation cost involved in dried plantain marketing. The constraints faced by dried plantain marketers in the study area include irregular supply, low demand, transportation challenges, high cost of supply and perishability of the product. This study, therefore, recommended the need for government and relevant stakeholders to address infrastructural challenges such as bad roads. We also recommended that the marketers should form cooperative society to facilitate their marketing operations and also enable them to have access to credits and expand their business.