Structure, Conduct and Performance Analysis of Sheabutter Marketing in Oyo State, Nigeria

The study investigated the marketing practices, channels of sheabutter distribution and performance using multi stage sampling techniques to select three local government area for the study in Oyo State. The results showed about 91% of the respondents were female, the average age of the respondents was 35.5 years. Most (92.5%) of the respondents were married with average household size of 8 members. Marketing efficiency was 135% which implies that the respondents covered the cost of marketing and made a margin above 100%. Unavailability of sheabutter due to deforestation and credit unavailability were the major constraints faced by sheabutter marketers. Furthermore, Household size (p=0.005), marketing experience and member of organization (p=0.001), source of shea butter (p=0.01) and credit availability (p=0.005) were factors influencing marketing efficiency of the respondents. The study concluded that sheabutter marketing was a profitable enterprise in the study area. The study recommended that there should be proper awareness on the prospect of sheabutter business (either for local use or exportation) among young people; this will be an avenue to alleviate the scourge of unemployment in the country

Contribution of Mushroom Production to Rural Income Generation in Oyo State, Nigeria

The study examined the economics of mushroom production in Oyo State. Data for the study were obtained from Ido, Surulere Local Government Area and Akinyele Local Government Area. A total of 202 respondents were selected for the study area. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and costs-returns analysis. The result shows that majority (71.7%) of mushroom farmers are within 31 - 50 years of age. Majority (67%) of the farmers was male and married (79.2%). Furthermore, about all (95.0%) of the farmers had <1-5 years of experience in mushroom production. The costs-returns analysis revealed that mushroom production is a profitable venture. Profitability indices indicate that for every N1 of sales made, 32kobo profit is realized (ROS). RRI values shows that every N1 invested in mushroom production yields 49kobo in returns and every N1 spent on variable cost leads to 79kobo gain for the farmer. These results clearly show that mushroom production is profitable in all ramifications and should therefore be encouraged and financially supported for large scale production. The study therefore recommends articulation of sound policy by government to cater for financial inclusion and export oriented markets for mushroom. This will drive employment creation, poverty alleviation and increase in foreign earnings for the country