Cost-return analysis of cocoyam marketing in Nsukka agricultural zone of Enugu State, Nigeria

This research was carried out to ascertain the cost-return of cocoyam marketing in Nsukka Agricultural Zone, Enugu State. Primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data were collected with the use of structured questionnaire from sixty (60) respondents. Data obtained were analysed using appropriate economic and statistical tools. Other analytical tools used were gross margin and benefit cost ratio. From the result obtained, female dominate males in cocoyam marketing and are people within the age range of 41 -50 years. The results also shows that 80% of the respondents had their formal education and have 5 years and above of experience in the marketing system. The research further discovered that there are four different market channels of distribution of cocoyam from the producers to the consumers in the marketing system. It was also found that the highest annual income generated is within the range of N21, 000 -N 25,000 in the study area. The results also show those cocoyam marketers were in union which comprises both wholesalers and retailers and they do not fix the price but influence the price of cocoyam. .The results from the gross margin and benefit cost ratio shows that the enterprise is profitable. The study showed that small-holder cocoyam enterprise is profitable by returning 1.1 for every N1.0 spent. The research also identified that the major problem encountered in cocoyam marketing were lack of credit facilities, high transportation cost, lack of storage facilities, poor handling, and high market charges, among others. The researcher recommends among others that these are need for stakeholders to come up with the best storage facilities for the cocoyam producers. There is need for credit assistance for the cocoyam marketers without high collateral. There is need for good road network in the rural areas and minimization of market charges