Marketing Efficiency and Determinants of Marketable Surplus in Vegetable Production in Kwara State, Nigeria

Marketing of vegetables is a complex phenomenon due to their perishable nature, seasonality and bulkiness, and as such, vegetable production requires an efficient marketing system. This study was therefore carried out to examine the marketing efficiency and determinants of marketable surplus in vegetables production in Kwara state, Nigeria. Data were collected using a well structured questionnaire from 75 respondents comprising 35 vegetable farmers and 40 vegetable marketers from 6 vegetable producing communities and 4 popular vegetable markets in the state. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and marketing efficiency measure were the major analytical tools employed for the study. Result of the multiple regression analysis revealed that, educational level of the household head, farming experience, spoilage at farm and household were the significant determinants of marketable surplus in vegetable production in the study area. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that daily local markets with small processing units and motor able roads be established near the vegetable farms to minimize marketing loss. The government should come up with Adult literacy programmes to educate the farmers and raise their efficiency in vegetable marketing.