ANALYSIS OF GINGER AND CASSAVA MARKETING IN KAGARKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE.

ABSTRACT

The uncertainty of marketing agricultural produce especially cassava and ginger among the cash crops produced in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna state remains a major factor to be resolved if poverty is to be reduced. The study was aimed at analyzing the profitability of ginger and cassava marketing in the study area. Data for the study were acquired from the marketers through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, linear regression analysis and gross margin analysis were used to analyze the data acquired. The results of findings revealed that ginger and cassava marketing in Kubacha and Kenyi markets of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State is profitable. The findings further revealed that Kilometer covered, Time Spent and Transportation cost influences the cost of ginger and cassava based on locations as P values from Table 2-7 indicated (0.045, 0.045, 0.003, 0.049, 0.009, 0.002) at 0.05 alpha level was significant for ginger and cassava markets in Kubacha and Kenyi. The findings identified seasonal changes in the prices of the two commodities; poor market structure and transportation as factors militating against the smooth running of marketing in the two markets. The study recommended the intervention of government in improving transportation network, and the fprovision of cooperative loans to promote profitability and efficiency in marketing of ginger and cassava in Kagarko Local Government Area.

Keywords: Ginger, Cassava, Marketing, Profitability and Kagarko.