Author(s): Nwabunike M. O.

Abstract: The study analyzed the cost benefits of smoked fish marketing within Abakaliki metropolis, the objectives of the study were to determine the costs and returns of smoked fish marketing in the study area, as well as identify the factors affecting the quality and quantity of smoked fish marketed in the study area. Oral interview schedule was used to collect data from seventy (70) respondents who were randomly selected. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. Objective (1) was analyzed using gross margin model, while objective (2), was analyzed using mean score in the form of a five-point Likert scale model. The result obtained from the gross margin analysis showed that a profit (π) of (N 4,093,600) was made by smoked fish sellers from selling smoked Scomber (Scomber japonctatus) given a TFC of N 3,000, TVC of N 2,455,400, TR of N 6,552,000, and a GM of N 4,096,600. The mean score analysis in the form of a five-point likert scale showed that the most accepted factors that affect the quality and quantity of fresh fish sold include; financial problem (3.8) and consumer’s choice (3.7). In conclusion, it has been observed that smoked fish marketing in Abakaliki urban is a lucrative venture. Marketers have lots of challenges, which the researcher has tried to proffer solutions to as attested by the majority of the respondents. Based on the research findings, the following policy recommendations were therefore proffered. Government should subsidize the price of fish to enable fish sellers purchase at cheaper rate, as well there should be adequate provision of cold rooms to reduce the losses by fish sellers.

Pages: 345-349  |  1354 Views  143 Downloads

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