Manuscript Information Authors

[1]	Adejumo, A. A., Federal College of Forestry, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria.
[2]	Agbeja B. O., Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
[3]	O. A. Adeniran, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Jericho, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study examined marketing of African locust bean and its implications on poverty reduction in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 172, 80, 50, and 42 respondents from Arigidi-Akoko, Imo-Arigidi, Arigidi-Oja and Agbaluku respectively. Apart from reconnaissance and physical ground surveys, data were collected with structured questionnaires. The data were subjected to chi-square analysis and descriptive statistical tools. Socio-economic variables like reliability on locust bean trade for sponsoring ward education is significantly dependent on monthly income from locust bean trade (P < 0.001) and this was consolidated by another variable like reliance on locust bean trade for offsetting household expenses and this is also significantly dependent on monthly income from locust bean trade in the study area (P < 0.005). The marketing channels were retail (processed bean) and wholesale (raw) and monthly income from the trade in the study area was between N10,000 and N70,000. The challenges of this trade were unavailability of this product in large proportions in the area, inadequate transportation, insufficient shed in the market squares, stigmatization by other passengers during transportation, inadequate storage facilities among others. The locust bean trade impacted Arigidi positively. For promotion of the trade in the area, relevant government agencies should promote local propagation of the tree; aid prompt transportation; build more shelters in various market, and modernized storage technique/packaging should be worked upon in general to make the product more attractive.

Keywords

Packaging, Marketing, Channels, Socio-Economic, Income

Reference

[01]	Okafor, J.C. (1994): Non-Timber Forest Products, Nigeria. Tropical Forestry Action Programme FORMECU, Fed. Dept. of Forestry, Abuja, Nigeria. 1994; 3-9.
[02]	FAO Bulletin on Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFP). (7) Rome.2000;1-5
[03]	Popoola, L. and S.A. Oluwalana (1998) Marketing of Non-Timber Forest Products in Nigeria. Paper presented at the Colloquium on Biodiversity (Rainforest Ecosystem of Nigeria. Organised by FE-PA-UNAAB Linkage Centre for Forest Conservation and Biodiversity.1998; 243
[04]	Adegeye, A.J. and J.S. (1985) Dittoh Essentials of Agricultural Economics. Impact Publishers Nig. Ltd. Ibadan.1985; 1-25.
[05]	Stella, Y.C. (1993) Market Channel Co-ordination and Economic Development in Agricultural and Food Marketing Reforming Developing Countries Selected Reading (Eds) Abbot JCCT A/C A.B Pub. Series. 1993; 25.
[06]	Keay R.W.J. (1989) Trees of Nigeria. Published by Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) in Conjuction with Oxford University Press.1989; 251.
[07]	A disa, R. S., Ayansina, S. O. and K. B. Olatinwo (2014) Economic Analysis and Constraints of Traditional Processing of African Locust Bean in Kwara State, Nigeria. Kasetsart Journal. (Soc. Sci) 35 : 124 - 133 (2014)