ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF INTER-MARKET AND SEASONAL PRICE SPREAD OF FRESH TOMATO MARKETING IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the economic analysis and seasonal price spread of fresh tomato marketing in Anambra State, Nigeria. Specifically, it described the influence of socioeconomic effect on the net marketing income, examine the inter market seasonal price spread among the intermediaries and constraints to fresh tomato marketing in the study area. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 180 marketers (45 wholesalers and 135 retailers). Data were collected from primary source using structured questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed by means of descriptive analysis, multiple regression and relative importance index. The result on inter-market and seasonal price spread among intermediaries showed that average of 25kg (medium basket) of fresh tomato mean marketing margins realized by wholesalers (peak demand season) was high in Nkwo Umunze ₦11,000 followed by Eke Awka ₦10,000.00, and other markets. Also, Eke Ekwuluoba ₦6,500.00 had the highest retail mean marketing margin of (₦11,000.00), followed by Eke Awka (N10,500), and other markets. High market fees by government and high cost of transportation were perceived as the most serious constraints of the wholesaler’s while perishability, sit at home palaver were perceived as serious on the retailers. Irrelevant and too much government and park charges should be addressed and reduced to barest minimal Fluctuation of prices of fresh tomato should be addressed by establishing a market board that regulate food prices were recommended.