ABSTRACT

The general objective ofthis study is to assess the determinants of efficiency among women in food crop marketing in Abia state, Nigeria. The specific objectives are to; describe the socio-economic characteristics ofrespondents; describe the types offood crops marketed by the women; determine the factors influencing efficiency among the food crop marketers; estimate the relative efficiency of the marketers in the study area; and make recommendations based on findings. Multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted in the study. First two Local Government Areas each were selected from each of the three agricultural zones of Abia state. After which, twenty women were selected randomly form these Local Government Areas, making.a total ofone hundred and twenty (120) women. Data for the study were primary data, Ohich were collected through- the'aid of a set of questionnaire administered to the respondents. All the respondents returned their questionnaire and the therefore were used in the analysis. Objective (i) and (ii) were analyzed using of descriptive statistical such as tables, frequencies and percentages etc. while objective (iii) and (iv) employed the profit function ofthe stochastic frontier. From the socio-economic profile ofthe respondents the mean or average age ofthe respondents was 43 years and six months. The average number of years spent in school was 10 years. The average household size was 6 persons. On the average, the respondents had acquired 6 years experience in the marketing of food crops. The mean income of the respondents was N 29360. Among the crops marketed, cassava ranked first among others, Maize ranks the second most marketed produce among the crops. Water yam ranked third among the crops. Fifty percent ofthe respondents indicated that they sale sweet potatoes to rank fourth, while cocoyam ranked first. However, the responses were multiple in nature. The coefficient of gender was positively signed and significant at one percent probability level. Marital status also possessed a positive sign and significant at one percent risk level. Among the sources profit efficiency, family size was positive and significant at one percent probability level. The coefficient of sales had a right sign and significantly at one percent. Experience which was measured by the number of years in business also had a positive coefficient and significant at one percent level. Estimate profit efficiency among food crop marketers in Abia State, differ substantially and ranged from 0.435 -.964 (43.5 percent to 96.4 percent). It is therefore, recommended that concerted efforts should be made by every stake holder to improve on these factors that enhances efficiency of this women enterprise. This is coming against the back drop of the important roles women play in agricultural , . development of any country, particularly developing economies like Nigeria that is battling to diversify its economy