This study described the structure, conduct and performance of banana market in Anambra State of Nigeria. The specific objectives are to describe the structure of the banana market; analyze the conduct of the banana market; determine banana market performance; and examine the major problems of banana marketing in the area. One hundred and twenty respondents spread in six major urban centers in the State and their concomitant major markets were randomly selected for interview. Descriptive statistics, Gini coefficient measure and the price spread analysis were used to analyse data. The study revealed that the activities of the banana market structure is almost optimum with a good conduct and performance as farmer's share of the consumer spending is 56%. The study also shows that lack of storage facilities and capital were the most pressing problems of the middlemen while the farmers were constrained from increased production by lack of capital, high yielding and disease resistant banana varieties. Policy recommendation to this effect was suggested.

The importance of agricultural marketing in national development cannot be over-emphasized. The study examined the structure of soyabeans markets in Benue and Enugu States, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using questionnaire admininstered to 207 marketers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, regression model, HHI, Gini coefficient and lorenz curve. The result showed that the major determinants of soyabeans marketed were price of soyabeans, transfer and handling costs, education and quantity of credit. The study also found that Benue soyabeans markets were by dominated rural assemblers while they were not found in Enugu markets. Soyabeans markets were characterized by many buyers and sellers with little or no barrier to entry and exit. However, the seeds were homogenous. High values of HHI (2,017.18 and 1,081.97) and gini coefficient (0.84 and 0.81) were got for wholesalers and retailers implying high concentration of sales in the hands of few wholesalers and retailers. Soyabeans marketing did not exhibit competitive market behaviour. Education of marketers, provision of credit facilities as well as construction and rehabilitation of roads should be carried out. Increased household utilization could improve the competitiveness of soyabeans markets. Again, MIS should be established for better dissemination of information and improved decision making.

A study on resource productivity under yam based crop mixture (YBCM) in crude and non-crude oil communities was conducted in Imo State, Nigeria. The study assessed food crops' outputs, evaluated costs and returns, and determined the allocative efficiency of resource use under YBCM system in crude and non-crude oil producing communities. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted in selection of respondents. Primary data were obtained using a set of questionnaire on 50 YBCM farmers each from crude and non-crude oil communities. Data were analyzed using percentages, gross margin and net profit analysis, multiple regressions, t-values, and gross returns/total costs ratio. Output levels of the food crop components in YBCM system in non-crude oil producing communities were statistically and significantly higher than those of the crude oil producing communities. This agreed with results of studies that showed reduction effects of gas flaring on food crop yields in the areas. There was higher profitability in YBCM enterprise in non-crude oil producing communities than in crude oil producing communities. However, the two critical resources in farming, land and labour, the YBCM farmers in crude oil producing communities allocated these resources better than the YBCM farmers in non-crude oil producing communities. Based on the study findings the Federal and State Governments, and other oil industry stakeholders should formulate appropriate policies, programmes and conduct detailed ecological research studies that will lead to higher farm output by YBCM farmers in crude oil producing areas.

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