MARKET ANALYSIS OF GARDEN EGG (solanum melongena) IN ANIOCHA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigates the economics of garden egg (Solanum melongena) marketing in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a random sample of 100 garden egg marketers. Analytical tools, including descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques, and, were employed to achieve the study objectives. The socioeconomic characteristics of the marketers revealed a significant gender imbalance, with 75.0% being female. The majority falls within the age range of 30-40 years, possess at least a secondary school education, and have 11-15 years of marketing experience. The average household size is 8.17, and 45.0% are members of a cooperative association. The marketing channels analysis indicates that 59.0% of marketers are retailers, emphasizing a retail-centric structure. Most marketers (72.0%) sell directly to consumers, and a majority (54.0%) purchase garden eggs in quantities above 10 bags. The study on costs and returns reveals a profitable venture, with a positive profit margin of N132, 500 and a profitability index of 33.8%