ABSTRACT

The study was on socio-economic factors influencing the marketing of garri in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. A random sample of 80 respondents (40 wholesalers and 40 retailers) were chosen from the study area for the study. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Data analysis was done using tables, mean, frequency distribution, budgetary techniques and regression analysis. The study showed that garri marketers in the study area were relatively young and literate. The study shows that marketers are experienced in the field of garri marketing. The study also reveals that majority of the marketers are married. Furthermore, the "tudy shows that the majority of the marketers had considerably large family size. Age and marketing experience, were significant and positive factors influencing the level of income in garri retail marketing. Marital status was significant and negative factors influencing the level of income in garri retail marketing. Age and educational level were significant and positive factors influencing the level of income in garri wholesale marketing. Technical efficiency for wholesalers and retailers was 0.018 and 0.018 Indicating that garri marketing was technically inefficient in the study area while economic efficiency for wholesalers and retailers were Ni. 18 and N 1.86 indicating that garri marketing was economically efficient. The average gross revenue and net garri marketing income for wholesalers were Ni 1,8670.09 and N 18,144.913 while average gross revenue and average S.' gross income for retailers were N48,828.5 and N22,602.925 respectively. The study showed that garri marketing for both wholesalers and retailers were profitable. It is recommended that measures that would control the input cost should be adopted. Policies that will also help improve the technical efficiency of garri marketers in the study area should be encouraged and implemented.