ABSTRACT

The study set out to explore the effect of physical distribution strategies on the operations of farmers in Aboh Mbaise local government area. The problem stems from the consistent high perishable rate of farm produce in the area, resulting to poor returns for the farmers. The major objective is to assess the extent that the farmers’ physical distribution system/operations effectively and efficiently address its customer’s need in term of delivery, perishability,  timely information flow of farm produce and it’s on marketing performance. Specifically, the objectives was to determine the effect of physical distribution strategies on sales volume, to examine the importance of physical distribution to profit growth, to determine the problems that affects the selection of channels of distribution for agricultural products and to identify the basic components of physical distribution of agricultural marketing used in the area. 339 respondents were sampled and responses generated were analyzed using percentage, tables and Chi-Square statistical analysis. The result of the findings show that farmers in the area have a lots of challenges which have hampered their operational efficiency and that there exist significant relationship between physical distribution strategies and increase in sales volume. The study concludes that physical distribution as one of the major components of the marketing mix has a vital role to play in the marketing of agricultural products in the area. And that effective and efficient physical distribution enhances sale volume. This is because the goods produced must not be wasted, the farmers’ labor must be encouraged as the consumers and customers at different places need these agricultural produce either as raw materials, semi-finished or finished products for production  The study recommends that provision of adequate facilities both by organized private sector, individuals and government to assist in the agricultural products all year round, Governments should provide access road and modern transportation facilities to enable farmers and middlemen covey their goods to local and distance markets from the point of production or harvesting, Government should come up with good policies that will encourage the distribution channel members and the farmers. This could be in terms of low charges on haulage by local government official to encourage channel members. Suggestions of areas for further studies were given.