Market structure and net determinants of turmeric marketing in Onitsha agricultural zone, Anambra state, Nigeria

A study was conducted to analyze the market structure and determinants of turmeric marketing in the Onitsha agricultural zone of Anambra State, Nigeria. The research aimed to understand the socioeconomic characteristics, market structure, factors influencing net marketing income, and constraints in turmeric marketing. The sample consisted of 160 intermediaries, including 80 wholesalers and 80 retailers, selected using multistage and random sampling methods. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Gini coefficient, multiple regression, and relative index techniques. The findings revealed a male dominance in the turmeric market, particularly among wholesalers, where 60.00% of marketers were men. This indicates gender sensitivity within the market at various levels. The market structure analysis showed Gini coefficients of 0.6866 and 0.7495 for wholesalers and retailers, respectively. These coefficients suggest a high level of income inequality in terms of sales margin and a concentration of sales among a small group of marketers, indicating the presence of imperfect competition in the market. Among the eleven independent variables included in the analysis, age, education, source of finance, and engagement in other business activities significantly influenced the net marketing income of wholesalers. At the retail level, household size, gender, engagement in other business activities, marketing experience, and product price were identified as factors influencing net marketing income. The constraints analysis revealed that online marketing, transportation costs, taxes, and local government charges were perceived as the main constraints at the wholesale level. On the retail level, the constraints were online marketing, irregular market days, and insufficient start-up capital. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government and relevant agencies reduce taxes and charges imposed on marketers to alleviate their burden. Additionally, addressing the poor condition of roads is necessary for proper marketing in the region.