ABSTRACT

The study examined the economics of farm gate plantain marketing in Abia State. The study aimed at determining the socio-economic characteristics, the marketing margin, and estimate the profitability of farm gate wholesale and retail enterprises in the study area, and the factors that affect the profitability of farm gate plantain enterprise in the state. Three Local Government Areas was selected purposively, from the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State. The area covered include Isiukwuato, Bende arid Ikwuano Local Government Areas. From the three Local Government Areas, three (3) different market studied that includes 60 respondents who are producers, 30 wholesalers, 30 retailers and 30 consumers respectively gives a to tad number of 150 respondents. A random sampling method use to select the respondents. Both primary and secondary data were used in accomplishing the research work. The primary data was collected through the structured questionnaire and observations, while secondary data were collected through text books, journal and other research works. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics such as percentage tables and frequency tables, marketing margin analysis and regression analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the factors that affects the profitability of farm gate plantain enterprises. The double-log was chosen as the lead equation because it gave the best fit. Results revealed that price of output, fertilizer and labour were statistically significant. The marketing margin for the producers, wholesalers and retailers was computed which are N17,500, N28,100, and N3,650 respectively. The major constraints faced by the traders includes, price instability, bad roads, lack of storage facilities, and high cost of transportation among others. Finally plantain marketing contributed to the economic growth of the state, therefore, it is recommended. that government should rehabilitate federal roads and advance loans to the plantain marketers in Abia State.