ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF TOMATO MARKETING IN ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

*Ojedokun A. O.¹, Yesufu O. A.² Ayorinde V. A.² and Ogunmola O. O.³

¹Department of Agriculture, Lagos State University, Epe Campus, Nigeria

²Department of Agricultural Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife ³Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Bowen University, Iwo,

Email: adifferentpiece@gmail.com, Corresponding author: Ojedokun A. O.

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to analyse the economics of tomato marketing in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from a total of 100 tomato marketers using multistage sampling technique. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that the mean age of tomato marketers was 43 years and that tomato marketing was female-dominated. The cost and return analysis showed that tomato marketing in Ile-Ife, Osun State is marginally profitable. The result also revealed marital status, household size, marketing experience, selling price and transportation costs as the factors influencing gross margin of tomato marketers. The study therefore recommended that adequate transportation should be provided for tomato marketers to reduce marketing costs and necessary pricing policies should be put in place.

Keywords: Economic, Tomato, Marketing, Determinants, Ile-Ife