PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF TOMATO MARKETING IN IJEBU DIVISION, OGUN STATE

The study examines the profitability analysis of tomato marketing in Ijebu Division, Ogun State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting one hundred and thirtyfive (135) respondents in the study area. Descriptive analytical technique was used to analyze the specific objectives revealed that females accounted for 80.0% of the total tomato markers, 20.7% were less than or 35 years old. About 51.1% utilized Producers – Wholesaler – Retailers – Consumers marketing channel. The results on cost-return structure of tomato marketers revealed the gross margin of N19,746.59, the net income of N28,373.32 with benefit-cost ratio of 6.40. The co-efficient of marketing experience, educational level of marketers, household size and household income of tomato marketers were statistically significant at 10%, 5%, and 1% and positive. Major problems encountered by the marketers are poor transportation and lack of fund. The study concluded that the tomato market was dominated by females, with an average age of 41.5 years and factors such as educational level of marketers, household size and household income of tomato marketers were the important variables determining tomato marketing output. The study recommends that provision of adequate transportation and storage facilities to help reduce marketing costs; and marketers should join cooperative societies to improve means of credit for business expansion, also to be able to purchase in bulk on behalf of members at a reduced purchase cost.