THE ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF YAM MARKETING IN LOGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE OF NIGERIA

ABSTRACT The study analyzed the Economic Marketing in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents, determined cost and returns of marketers, analyzed the socioeconomic factors affecting yam, and identified channels of distribution and constraints associated with yam marketing. Descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis and multiple regression analysis were employed. The results analysis showed male 198 (80.5%) were involved in the marketing system than female 48 (19.5%). Married people involved in the marketing system 184 (74.8%) more than single 42 (17.1%), widow 13 (2.3%), widower 5 (2.0%) and divorced 2 (0.85%) respectively. People from the age range 30–35 are the ones mostly involved in yam marketing, and those with secondary education dominated in marketing yam. The channels of distribution are producers 140 (56.9%) and retailers 60 (18.7%) respectively. The marketers experienced a profit of 275,480 per hectare. Socioeconomic factors affecting yam marketers in the area were analyzed. The F-ratio value from the regression model result was high and significant at 1% probability level showing the overall significance of the result. Age was significant at 5% level with coefficient of 0.088. Marital status was significant at 1% probability level with a positive coefficient of 0.276. Educational level was positive and significant at 10% probability level. Marketing experience was significant at 1%. Major constraints of yam marketing were insufficient capital. The study recommends that marketers should form formidable cooperatives to enhance possible assistance from governments.