AN ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURE, CONDUCT AND PERFORMANCE OF GARRI MARKET IN ETHIOPE-WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

摘要

The study examined the structure, conduct and performance of garri market in Ethiope-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. It specifically, among other objectives, determined the profitability of garri marketing and investigated garri price determinants. Data for the study were obtained using well-structured questionnaire administered to 120 randomly selected garri sellers in six markets in the area. Data analysis was achieved using descriptive statistics (such as tables, percentages and frequencies) and gross margin analysis. The study revealed that there were large number of buyers and sellers, but some of them are so large that they can influence the prevailing market price, supply and demand condition, that the garri market system exhibits a reasonable degree of freedom of entry and exit in and out of the garri market. However, about 25% of the sellers belong to garri sellers’ association that charged fees and issued license to members as long as they are willing to operate within the codes of conduct laid down by the association and non-members were not allowed to operate in such market except the payment of certain levies. Major price determinants were found to be seasonal variation and labour costs respectively accounting for 33.3% of the price determinants. The study further revealed that under the existing garri production in Ethiope-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, each seller on the average had a gross margin of N5, 475.00 (26.65 EUR) implying profitability. Since grace garri market has enormous potentials as a major staple food and reliable source of income, market opportunities can be fully developed through the provision of infrastructures such as modern market, efficient transportation and communication systems.