ABSTIRACT

 The objectives of the study was to analyze the economics of banana marketing in Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State. Both primary and secondary data were used in accomplishing the study. Primary data were obtained through a well-structured questionnaires. Ten (10) markets were randomly selected from Umuahia South Local Government Area. Twelve (12) respondents were randomly selected from each market making a total of (120) respondents. The data were analyzed using frequency distribution table, percentages, marketing margin and regression analysis. Result shows that the mean age of the respondents was 45yrs. The educational mean value of the respondent was 6.9 yrs. The mean value of the marketing experience of the respondent was 8yrs. The marketing margin for banana marketing was 53%. The regression result shows that variables such as age of the respondents, education and purchasing price were major determinants of profit in banana marketing. Traders were constrained by finance, seasonality and high transportation cost. Based on the findings, it was recommended that traders should be educated to enable them adopt innovation in the areas of banana marketing. Cooperative societies should be encouraged to assist them in obtaining loan from financial institution.