Analysis of Sustainable Market Conditions and Determinants Influencing Farmers' Involvement in the Commercialization of Cocoyam in Anambra State, Nigeria

This study on the analysis of sustainable market conditions and determinants influencing farmers' involvement in the commercialization of cocoyam in Anambra State, Nigeria focused on six specific objectives that ascertained the market conditions for cocoyam marketing, identified the commercialization index of the commodity, described the determinants of farmers' participation in the commercialization of the commodity, estimated the profitability of smallholder’s cocoyam production/marketing, and its determinants, and identified the challenges to cocoyam production/marketing in the area. A multistage sampling technique involving purposive and simple random sampling was employed to collect data from 368 cocoyam farmers. The study used a combination of analytical tools such as descriptive statistics, the Lorenz curve, marketing margin analysis, and ordinary least square regression achieved from the SPPS version 25 and Microsoft Excel. The study revealed the farmers’ average age and production/marketing experience as 19 years. The Gini coefficient value of 0.236 closer to zero shows a near-perfect condition in the area, with a 68.0% commercialization index. Gender (11.48)***, marital status (8.98)***, and cooperative membership (4.81)** are the positive factors influencing market participation. The farmers realized a profitability ratio of 0.74 and a return on investment of 1.85. This profitability ratios are positively determined by sex (16.45)***, farming experience (4.58)***, and number of extension contacts (6.48)***. The farmers face the following challenges; inadequate capital, limited access to improved cultivars, and bad road networks among others. However, policymakers should therefore prioritize intervention to address the identified bottlenecks hindering market participation, profitability, and scalability of cocoyam production and marketing.