ABSTRACT
The poultry sub-sector in Nigeria holds significant promise for economic development, poverty alleviation, and income generation, with poultry egg production playing a pivotal role. This study presents a rigorous economic analysis of poultry egg marketing in the specific context of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research encompasses an examination of the socioeconomic characteristics of egg marketers, an estimation of marketing margins, costs, and returns, an exploration of market structure and performance, an evaluation of income distribution among marketers using the Gini Coefficient, and an assessment of the key constraints faced by industry stakeholders.
Findings indicate that the majority of egg marketers in Benin City are young, with a mean age of 32 years, and predominantly female. Education levels vary, with 64% having attained up to secondary education. The analysis of costs and returns reveals that egg marketing is a profitable endeavour in the region, with a marketing efficiency ratio of 7.4, reflecting favourable returns on investment. Income distribution, as measured by the Gini Coefficient, indicates a moderate level of income or wealth inequality among egg marketers. Significant constraints were identified, including high transportation costs, inadequate access to capital, price fluctuations, and the cost of eggs. These constraints underscore the need for targeted interventions and policy measures to enhance the efficiency and inclusivity of the poultry egg marketing sector in Benin City. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive understanding of the economic dynamics within the poultry egg marketing sector in Benin City, Edo State. It was concluded that egg marketing in the study area is profitable. It was recommended that efforts should be directed towards improving transportation infrastructure to mitigate the high transportation costs. Investments in road networks and transportation systems can contribute to reducing these constraints.
