The study analyzed the cost and returns of catfish marketing in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State. Specifically, the study ascertained the socioeconomic profile of respondents, ascertained costs, returns and net returns of the marketers, determined the marketing margin, marketing efficiency and market share of participants in the market and estimated the determinants of income from catfish marketing. The constraints militating against catfish marketing were also identified. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in sampling 60 catfish marketers for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using net returns and regression models. Results showed that majority of the respondents were male within active working age of 37 years. About 72% of the marketers were married, and 93.3% of them had formal education. The marketing of catfish was found to be viable as indicated by positive net returns of N109,539.67 per month. The coefficient of marketing efficiency was 83.8%, while the market share for wholesalers and retailers was 41.17 and 58.2%, respectively. Result of regression analysis indicated that marketing experience, age, education and quantity of catfish handled were significant at various probability levels. Inadequate capital and high cost of transportation were the major constraints to catfish marketing. It was recommended that catfish marketers should form cooperative society to enhance their access to finance, and the relevant variables that significantly influenced net income should be considered in policy issues.

The study focused on determinants of Agribusiness Cooperators' access to credit in from formal sources in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the socioeconomic characteristics of respondents; estimated the determinants of access to credit and ascertained the challenges associated with Agribusiness Cooperators' borrowing from formal sources. Multistage sampling technique was adopted in sampling for location and respondents. A total of 150 respondents were sampled from list of Agribusiness Cooperators in the various communities. Data were collected using questionnaire administered on respondents using interview schedules and observation. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as percentages, means and the Ordinary Least Squares multiple regression model. Results indicate that Agribusiness Cooperators in the study area are predominantly young, productive and literate with average farming experience of 7 years. Findings further showed that the cooperators are predominantly males, smallholders with mean household size of 6 persons and mean income of N45,878.00 per farming season. Results of the regression model indicated that farm size, education and loan period showed expected positive signs a priori and were significant at various probability levels. Contrary to a priori expectation, experience showed a negative sign and was significant at 10% level. High interest rate, delay in loan disbursement and reluctance in repaying loans were rated the most dominant challenges to borrowing from formal sources. Based on the findings, it was recommended that cooperatives should be encouraged to organize periodic capacity building exercises for members to keep them abreast of developments vis-à-vis agribusiness investment and credit access.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract