Economic Analysis Of Yam Marketing In Obubra Local Government Area Of Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examined the marketing of yam in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State. Characteristics of the sellers, marketing channels, marketing margin and efficiency were also examined. One hundred and twenty (120) randomly selected respondents were interviewed at three different markets, namely, Apiapum, Ovonum and Ofodua. Data obtained from the study were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics include tables, means,  frequencies and budgetary analysis. Theinferential statistic was the regression analysis. The socio-economic profiles of the sellers revealed that the marketing of yam in Obubra is completely dominated by women. The main sources of yams were found to be from interior areas like Iyamitet, Ofumbongha II, Ogada, Ahaha, Ijutum, Akpatre, Okumuruktet, Onyadama, Iyamoyong and Ogurude. The profitmargin of traders in Apiapum, Ovonum and Ofodua markets were N5,229.50 , N 6,289.40 and N 4,939.80 respectively. This suggests that yam marketing is a profitable business. The concentration of sellers is high and entry is free. The markets are thus perfectly competitive. The regression analysis, however, revealed that of all the marketing costs, transportation hadthe most significant impact on the returns of sellers in all the studied markets. Identifiable problems affecting yam marketing in the study area include:  insufficient capital, lack of goodroads, high transportation cost and lack of good storage facilities. It was thereforerecommended that serious attention be paid to maintain the markets for optimal efficiency.