ABSTRACT
Despite the huge capital invested into plantain production, there are indications that farmers may not be realising enough profit that could compare favourably with their effort and level of investment. Results from various studies have shown that relative attention given to plantain is focused mainly on its production while little is done on its marketing. Hence this study was conducted to assess the profitability of plantain marketing in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the plantain marketers in the study area; estimate the marketing functions and practices of plantain marketers in the study area; evaluate costs and returns of plantain marketing in the study area; describe the plantain market structure, conduct and performance in the study area; identify the determinants of profitability in plantain marketing in the study area and identify the problems militating against plantain marketers.
Data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 70 marketers of plantain selected using a multi-stage sampling process involving the simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, marketing margins, Herfindahl Index (HI) and regression analysis.
The results indicate that the market was characterized with many buyers and sellers (wholesalers) reflecting a pure competitive structure, prices were determined mainly by factors such as quantity purchased, purchase price and bargaining ability of the buyers. Market associations did not exist among the marketers. Most of the marketers interviewed agreed that they used open displays to attract customers. The value of the Herfindahl Index indicates some level of inequality suggesting that the market is highly concentrated implying that the market is not dominated by major marketers and is less competitive. The results indicated a gross margin of ₦53,329.80 per month. The major constraints encountered by marketers were lack of initial capital, high transportation cost and high purchasing price. Based on the result of the study, it was concluded that plantain marketing is profitable with more women taking part in plantain marketing. It was recommended that More women should be encouraged to participate in plantain marketing as a means of livelihood support for their household.
