AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
Abstract
The study analyzed small scale cucumber marketing in Gwagwalada Area Council Federal Capital
Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Multistage sampling was used to select the cucumber marketers. Primary data
collected through a structured questionnaire was used for the study. Eighty (80) cucumber marketers
constitute the sample size. Descriptive and inferential statistics was employed to analyze the data. The
result revealed that majority of the small scale cucumber marketers in the study area were male (67.5%),
with 61.25% being married. Most marketers (55%) were above forty years old. Personal savings were the
primary source of capital (78.75%). Education levels were generally low, with 47.5% attending primary
school. The majority of cucumber marketers (60%) considered cucumber marketing as their primary
occupation, and 77.5% were not part of any market association. The study identified the market's over-
efficiency in both peak and lean seasons, with positive gross margins. However, the peak season had a
significantly higher return on investment (ROI) (144.3%) compared to the lean season (40%). Base on the
result of this study, the following recommendation were made: Youth should be encouraged to
participation in cucumber marketing to inject innovation and energy into the industry, cucumber
marketers should form and participate in market-based associations to foster collaboration and
information-sharing since most (77.5%) currently do not belong to any association. Training and support
program is required to enhance the skills and knowledge of the small scale cucumber marketers.