Socioeconomic Determinants and Constraints to Small-scale Sheep Marketing in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State Nigeria

Abstract

The study focused on the socio-economic and challenges faced by small-scale sheep marketers in Gombe metropolis. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 91 sheep marketers from four markets. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budget and multiple regression models. The results revealed that, the mean age of sheep marketers was 40.59 years, 96.70% were males, 86.81% were married, with the majority (87%) had family size ranging from 1 -20 persons, and had 17.68 mean years of experience. Also, the result revealed that 57.14% of the marketers combined sheep trading with other occupations to supplement their household earnings. Furthermore, the result revealed that purchasing cost for ram and ewe constituted 92.59% (₦ 27,615.38; $77.32) and 91.50% (₦ 23,793.96; $66.62) of the total costs respectively. Moreover, the result revealed average total return of ₦ 32,837.36 ($91.94) per head of animal was realized. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.821; meaning that 82.10% variations in the total returns were influenced by the socio-economic characteristics included in the regression model. Also, the result revealed that, number of animals held per week was significant (P<0.01). Inadequate capital was critical; this was attributed to inadequate source of formal credits. Other market facilities such as clean environment and security were also lacking. However, improvement in the existing infrastructural facilities will help expand the present scale of operations. To improve efficiency, Governments and financial institutions should ensure funds in the form of loans are extended to the marketers.

Profitability Analysis of Sachet Table Water Production in Gombe Central Senatorial Zone, Gombe State, Nigeria

“…A lower ratio indicates an operational efficiency compared to other competing enterprises. This is in line with Saleh et al (2015) who reported that operating ratio is a ratio of an enterprise variable cost to its total revenue. A positive and lower ratio of <1 is desirable as this indicates that in the event of decline in sales or revenue, the firm will maintain its profitability status.…”

“…This implies that 3.05%of the total revenue goes to pay for the fixed cost of sachet table water enterprises in Gombe central senatorial zone. This agrees with Saleh et al (2015) who viewed that fixed ratio measures enterprise ability to pay for all its fixed charges/expenses with its total revenue. The fixed ratio also viewed as a solvency ratio as it shows how easily an enterprise can pay its bills when they are due.…”

An Assessment of the Relationship between Socio-cultural Practices and Domestication of Child Rights Law in Cross River State, Nigeria

“…Uncertainty has persisted on how this admirable legislative action have advanced the defense of children's rights. According to studies by Ladan (2017), Ayola (2018), Ashogbon (2018), Saleh and Ibrahim (2019), the domestication of the Child Rights Act in Nigeria have been hampered by a lack of political will. For them, the different state governments avoid taking on the enormous mission of reducing infant mortality by offering top-notch medical care for children as well as expectant and nursing mothers.…”

Microeconomic Analysis of Saving Determinants Among Small-Scale Millet Producers in Gombe State, Nigeria

“…This was because large family sizes in the study area tend to realize more outputs than those with few family members. Despite consumption increases with large household; but, cheap family labour was available, investment capacity also improves; thereby enhances the savings behaviour of the households (Saleh, 2016).…”