Influence of Socio-Economic Characteristics of Yam Sellers on Marketing Margins among Yam Wholesalers in Delta State, Nigeria

The study investigated the influence of demographic characteristics of yam wholesalers on the marketing margin of yam in Delta State. Data were collected from 80 randomly selected wholesale marketers of yam from 10 markets in 2 LGAs of the state. Findings show that wholesale market of yam is dominated by males (78.8%), most of whom were married (73.8%) with secondary school experience (70%). The modal age of respondents was 50 – 59 years with the average been 48 years. The result shows marketing cost of N84.30 as against the price (N120.00) of an average size of tuber resulting to a marketing margin of N35.70. Marketers marital status (-0.436), age (0.088) and years of marketing experience (-0.239) were found to be significant in determining the marketing margin in the study area. Transportation (71.96%) constituted the highest charge among other costs incurred in the marketing of yam. Transportation cost, marketing charges, loading and off-loading respectively contributed significantly to the magnitude of the margin. The study recommends the provision of more feeder roads to ease the evacuation of yam products from the rural places to the urban centres.