Economic analysis of beef marketing in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the marketing of beef in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The objectives of this study were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of beef marketers, ascertain the costs and return of beef marketing, determine the factors affecting revenue derived from beef marketing and examine problems faced by beef marketers in the study area. Four towns in the local government were purposively selected because these towns have large markets with many beef marketers. Fifteen beef marketers were randomly selected from each of the four markets giving a total of sixty respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic, net return analysis and multiple regression analysis. Result showed that 40% of the beef marketers were within the age of 31 -40 years, 64% were females and a high percentage of them (76%) were married. Majority of the respondents (60%) acquired only primary school education and 70% of the respondents had household size of between 1 -5 persons. A net return of N501.50k per kilogram of beef was obtained showing that beef marketing was profitable in the study area. The multiple regression analysis showed age, educational level, storage cost, marketing experience and cost of purchase were significant variables which affect beef marketing. The major constraints faced by the beef marketers were lack of fund, high transportation cost and inadequate storage facilities. Beef marketers should take advantage of economies of scale to ensure profitability and by extension, improved livelihood and sustainability of the business.