ABSTRACT

The broad object of this study is to analyze the structure, conduct and performance of Okra market in. Abia stale, Nigeria. Specifically, the study has its objectives as to: examine the socio-economic characteristics of the marketers; determine the structure, conduct and performance of Okra market in the study urea; examine the marketing channel for Okra in the study area; determine the factors influencing marketing efficiency of' the enterprise iii the study areas; arid make recommendations bused on tile findings. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in this study. Firstly, 8 local Government Areas were selected. Secondly, 20 traders were selected in each of the already selected LG/\, 10 wholesaler and 10 retailers. In all, a total of 160 traders were selected for the study. Primary sources of data which were collected through questionnaires administer rated to the traders were used for the study. In some cases, the questionnaires were administered on the spot, while a repeat was made in some cases where the trader LVOS  sonic time to answer the questions. Objective (i) and (iv) was analyzed using description statistic such as frequencies, means arid percentages. Objective (ii which is on structure was also by descriptive statistic; the conduct aspect was realized iii terms of price setting while the performance of the okra market was assessed using gross and marketing efficiency formulaic while objective (iii LUOS achieved using multiple regression. In terms of mode of entry, 75% of the wholesalers attested that entry into the market was free while among the retailers, 71.4% noted that entry was free. Those respondents who responded that entry was not free were 24.3% and 28.6% among the wholesalers and retailers respectively. For the fact that majority of the respondents indicated that the mode of entry is free, Okra market in Abia stale could be adjudged to be relatively free. Similarly, barriers to entry into okra market using toll payments, payment of business premises and union permission, payment of business premises as barrier indicated that 50% of the respondents in the wholesaler's category and 48.6%.of  respondents among the retailers indicated that payment of business premise was required before entry into the market could be allowed.