ECONOMICS OF SWINE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN ZANGO KATAF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

ECONOMICS OF SWINE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN ZANGO KATAF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract:

This study was designed to evaluate the “Economics of Swine Production and Marketing in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria”. The objectives of the study include (i) to determine the costs and returns of pig production in the study area; (ii) to determine the structure and conduct of the pig market, (iii) to determine the marketing margins and efficiency of pig marketing and (iv) to identify the problems of pig production and marketing in the study area and suggest control measures. To achieve the objectives, data were collected from 90 pig farmers and 30 marketers in the study area during the month of May and August 1997. The analytical methods chosen for the study were descriptive statistics, farm budget model, Gini coefficient and marketing performance measuring techniques such as marketing margin and efficiency. The result showed that majority of the farmers were making profit sufficient to cover their expenses, as shown in the findings of the net farm income (means). The empirical results of the marketing structures measured by Gini coeficient of 0.51 for wholesalers and 0.50 for retailers indicated that there are some moderate degree of concentration in the market. The producer’s share of what the final consumer paid was 78.25%. The average marketing margin was 22%. The result of marketing efficiency analysis indicated that Katsit market was more efficient than Zonkwa and Samaru Kataf. Based on the margins and efficiency ratio analysis, the pig marketing is both efficient and profitable. Problems identified amoungst pig producers include high cost of feeds, cost of drugs and veterinary services, poor housing, lack of finance, poor road system, lack of improved breeds and low prices of pigs. Problems associated with pig marketing were identified to include lack of shades, lack of modern abbatoirs, mistrust lack of financial capital and price fluctuations. The following recommended measures are suggested in order to control the situation: 1. The State Ministry of Agriculture and its agencies should revive the breeding of improved more prolific breeds to increase production. 2. Both farmers and marketers need to be assisted financially and the state government is called upon to create an agency that will give funds to both farmers and marketers. 3 . Shade and storage facilities such as cold stores should be provided in each of the markets so as to improve the condition under which people buy and sell pigs. A. The State Government should purchase, install and monitor weighing scales so that pricing particularly at the market sites should be reorganised to the use of standard measurement. 5. The improved feeds including concentrates should be made available to farmers at affordable prices.

ECONOMICS OF SWINE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN ZANGO KATAF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA