Market structure and performance of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study examined the market structure and performance of Bitter kola (Garcina kola) in the Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling method was used to select ninety- two (92) marketers of G. kola from the five markets in the Ibadan metropolis. Data was collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, Gini coefficient, and Multiple regression. The result showed that 97.3% were females, a majority (40.2%) of the marketers were within the age bracket of 51-60 years. The majority (76.1%) were married with an average household size of 5 members. The Gini coefficient, 0.9, indicates that the Garcinia kola market is inclined towards the imperfect market structure. Regression analysis revealed that household size (p<0.05), primary education (p<0.05), and secondary education (p<0.1) had a significant influence on the efficiency of Garcinia kola marketing in the study area. Garcinia kola marketing is a very viable and profitable enterprise in the study area. Inadequate finance was identified as the most serious constraint to Garcinia kola marketing. There is a need to create more market opportunities and accrue benefits along the marketing chain while providing credit facilities to the marketers of Garcina kola.