PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS AND MARKETING EFFICIENCY OF WATERMELON IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ​Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Almighty Allah for providing me with the strength, perseverance, and courage to complete this study despite the numerous challenges I encountered. The successful completion of this research is a result of the invaluable contributions and support of many individuals, to whom I express my deepest gratitude. ​I am particularly grateful to the Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, and most importantly, my project supervisor, Mallam Umar Bukar, who provided me with scholarly guidance, corrections, and support despite his busy commitments. His constant support has been invaluable. ​I extend my sincere gratitude to all the academic and non-academic staff members in the Department of Agricultural Economics for their support and assistance throughout my study period. ​My heartfelt thanks go to my beloved father, Alhaji Zubairu Kalli, for his unwavering love, guidance, and financial, moral, and spiritual support. I am equally grateful to my mother, Halima Mustapha, for her nurturing and for shaping me into the person I am today. ​I am profoundly thankful to my cherished brothers and sisters, Kalli, Fatima, Bashir, Mustapha, Abubakar, Aisha, Halima, Umar and Ahmad for their constant love, encouragement, and support, which have been vital in shaping my academic and personal growth. ​I also wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to my supportive friends, Ummitah Adamu, Ramatu Abdulkadir and Zara Kawu Bukar, for being my rock throughout my academic journey. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and friendship have meant the world to me. We shared countless moments of laughter, tears, and late-night study sessions. I am honoured to have you all in my life as friends. ​Finally, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Abubakar Kolo (Class Rep CRS). Your expertise, patience, and willingness to help me solve challenges were invaluable.