ECONOMICS OF SHEEP MARKETING IN KALGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KEBBI STATE.

Abstract

Marketing of small ruminants like sheep plays an important role in increasing incomes of rural and urban dwellers. This study therefore examined the economics of sheep marketing in Kalgo market, in Kalgo Local government area of Kebbi State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used where a sample of one hundred (100) sheep marketers was randomly selected from the identified marketers within the market. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data, which were later analyzed using descriptive statistics and Gross Marketing Margin. Findings of this study indicated that majority of respondents (44%) fall within the age range of 36-53. The results further reveals that almost all the sheep marketers were male (92%) implying that males dominated the business and are perceived to withstand hardship more than their female counterparts. Majority has no formal education (52%) and with (60%) on a household income ranging from N 200,000 -N500,000. The results further revealed that Gross Marketing margin (GMM) of N 5,987.09 per head and marketing efficiency of 108.4% which is < 100% indicates that sheep marketing is profitable in the study area. The implication of this study is that governments, policy makers and other stakeholders should ensure sheep marketing becomes more profitable economic venture in the area.