Analysis Of Price Fluctuation and Market Performance of Maize (Zea Mays) In Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed price fluctuation and market performance of maize in Girei Loca[ Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics, Gini coefficient and simple regression analysis were applied on a random sample of 70 marketers selected for the study using multi-stage random sampling. The objectives of the study are to describe the socio-economic characteristics of marketers, determine the market performance of the marketers, the seasonal price pattern of maize and to identify the problems associated with maize marketing in the study area. The findings revealed that majority (51.40%) of the marketers were male and married and had some form of formal education. The respondents had marketing experience of over five (5) years and used personal savings in their marketing business. On price fluctuation, the study revealed the existence of seasonal variation in the price pattern of maize from 1999-2013 with an average monthly price rise of 64.65 during the 15-year period. The result of the revealed inequality in earning among marketers, an indicator of market imperfection and poor market performance. The study recommended among others that more storage facilities should be built by collective action of the government, nongovernmental organization so as to cushion the effect of seasonal price variation of maize on consumers and marketers