Women marketers’ perceived constraints on selected agricultural produce marketing in Enugu South area: Challenges of extension training for women groups in Enugu state, Nigeria

Abstract

Women constitute great apostles in agricultural production, processing, utilization and marketing as well as national economic growth. Given the increasing demands for basic crop products such as garri and milled rice in the diets of most households in Enugu south area, Nigeria, the marketing situation seems to be low relative to distribution. In this regard, this study investigated women marketers' perceived constraints on marketing of milled rice and garri in Enugu south area and highlighted challenges of extension training for women groups in Enugu State, Nigeria. One hundred and sixty randomly selected women marketers in Enugu South area constituted the sample size for the study. Structured interview schedule was employed in data collection.Frequency counts, percentage and factor analysis technique were the analytical tools adopted. The findings revealed that majority (63.8%) of the women were within the ages of 31-50 years, while majority (75.5%) have 6-20 years of marketing experience and 69.4 % of them have equity capital of N5,001.00-N45,000.00. The major constraints perceived by the women included inadequate processing skill, produce deterioration and lack of storage facilities. The study highlighted challenges for extension training in women groups on improved government budgetary allocation to ADP, organizational overhaul and reorientation in the ADP and women group mobilization with focus on groups for extension training and contact. In conclusion, success in agricultural produce marketing in Enugu South area and associated marketing extension training for women groups in Enugu State, Nigeria depend on the extent constraint issues raised and challenges thereof highlighted can be addressed.