UNLOCKING THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF CHILLI PEPPER (Capsicum Annum) MARKETING: EVIDENCE FROM RINGIM LOCAL GOVERNEMENT AREA OF JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study analysed the economic benefits of chilli pepper marketing in Ringim Local Government of Jigawa State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to select 100 Chilli pepper marketers for this study. The study comprised of two major market actors which are wholesalers and retailers. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, gross margin, and market margin analysis. The results revealed that most of the Chilli marketers were females (62.0%), married (88.0%), and had formal education.   The study revealed a net market margins of ₦1737.3 and ₦1723.7 per basket for chill pepper wholesalers and retailers respectively. The marketing efficiency of 163.78% for retailers while 178.48% for wholesaler which shows resources were effectively utilized in the study area. The study concludes that Chilli pepper marketing in the study area was profitable. Even though the profit is based on seasonality with more profit margin during the festive periods, while the high marketing efficiency ratios for both wholesalers and retailers reveals the effective use of resources. The study recommends that males should be encouraged to participate more in Chilli pepper marketing to ensure gender balance of the trade. Create financial access linkage for Chilli pepper marketers through relevant stakeholders such as microfinance organizations. Provision of training through extension agents on ways to improve shield life of Chilli pepper to minimize spoilage.