Analysis Of Timber Marketing In Selected Markets In Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to analyze timber marketing in selected markets in Jos metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. Respondents were selected through multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaire administered to 120 timber marketers in Katako and Building Materials timber markets located in Jos metropolis. Data were subjected to profitability, marketing efficiency, and multiple regression analyses. The findings revealed that timber marketing was profitable in the study area with black plum (Vitex doniana) providing the highest monthly gross margin (GM) of N99,162.88 which was higher than the monthly GM of each of the other five major timber species, and the mean aggregate GM (N76, 818.82). Teak (Tectona grandis) was the best, having the lowest gross ratio (0.57) and the highest rate of return on investment (0.75). The marketing efficiency of timber was 1.48. The regression analysis revealed that marketing experience, occupation, and labour cost were statistically significant (p< 0.05) determinants of timber sales. The study identified irregular timber supply, inadequate market facilities, high cost of energy, inadequate credit facilities, unfavourable government policies, and high transportation costs as challenges to timber marketing. The study recommended among other measures, the need to ensure sustainable supply of timber products from the forest plantations and also the provision credit to timber marketers at low interest rates.