ABSTRACT

This study analyzed the cost and returns structure in tomato marketing in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The specific objectives were to examine the socioeconomics characteristics of tomato marketer, determine the cost and returns in tomato marketing, identify the marketing channel of tomato to point of consumption, evaluating the determinant of profit in tomato marketing, and to determine the problem encountered by tomato marketers. Multi-stage sampling produce was use in selecting the sample used for this study. Data was collected by the aid of a well-structured questionnaire and oral interviewed scheduled were analyzed using descriptive statistical model such as frequency table, mean, percentage, and the multiple regression analysis, the lead equation is semi-log and the f-ratio is significant at 5%, and the R2is 40%. The result indicated that the mean of the respondents was 33.9 years which implies that those in their youthful age participate more in tomato marketing. Majority (58.3%) of the respondents were female that were married. In terms of education, most of the respondent have one form of education or another. The household size mean was 8.2 with a marketing experience of ten years. Trading was the primary occupation of 50% of the respondents. The result of the cost and returns analysis shows that the enterprise is profitable. The result of the multiple regression analysis shows that most of the socio-economics characteristic such as sex, marital status marketing experience has positive influence while age and household size have negative influence on the profitability of the enterprise. The major problems encountered by the respondents are; poor finance, perishability of the product, lack of storage facilities, seasonality, high cost of transportation and bad road network. Some of the recommendations include construction of motor able roads in the rural area, provision of capital and provision of good storage facilities