Determinants of Marketing Margin and Efficiency of Wholesale Marketing of Cocoyam in Southeast, Nigeria

Cocoyam is highly seasonal and perishable. An efficient wholesale marketing system makes its consumption, round the year possible, reduces postharvest losses for greater margin. This study examined determinants of margin efficiency cocoyam in Southeast, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to examine socio-economic characteristics marketers, estimate factors wholesalers affecting their net Multistage, purposive random sampling techniques used generate relevant data using a structured questionnaire administered 216 marketers 18 markets three states southeast (Anambra, Enugu Imo). Descriptive statistics inferential (Gross Efficiency Analysis Multiple Regression) analyse data. Result on socio economic shows that no marketer was below age 20 years above 60 with mean 46 years. Majority (80%) married family size 5. high gross ₦20,387,212 ₦2,817,524 indicates profitability coefficient value 84% level efficiency. results influence variables respondents six (age, marketers` experience, formal education, selling price, purchase price quantity sold) statistically significant while remaining not. R2 0.875 implied 88% variation income realized by due variations independent 12% as result stochastic noise. F-value 189.390 at 5% probability. together significantly influenced income, regression model good fit. It recommended adequate facilities such road network be provided especially rural areas (production site), storage processing should subsidized government agricultural produce, cocoyam.