AN ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURE, CONDUCT AND PERFORMANCE OF GARRI MARKET IN ETHIOPE-WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the structure, conduct and performance of garri market in Ethiope-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. It specifically, among other objectives, determined the profitability of garri marketing and investigated garri price determinants. Data for the study were obtained using well-structured questionnaire administered to 120 randomly selected garri sellers in six markets in the area. Major price determinants were found to be seasonal variation and labour costs respectively accounting for 33.3% of the price determinants. The study further revealed that under the existing gam production in Ethiope-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, each seller on the average had a gross margin of N5,475.00 (26.65 EUR) implying profitability. Since grace garri market has enormous potentials as a major staple food and reliable source of income, market opportunities can be fully developed through the provision of infrastructures such as modern market, efficient transportation and communication systems.