Analysis of Factors Influencing Vegetable Marketing Margins Among Traders in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Marketing margins in the vegetable sub-sector reflect the efficiency of market channels and the distribution of returns between producers and traders. In Enugu State, the vegetable marketing system involves multiple intermediaries, and excessive margins are often cited as disincentives for smallholder production. This study analysed the factors influencing vegetable marketing margins among traders in Enugu State. Primary data were collected from 92 vegetable traders across four major markets using structured questionnaires. Variables captured included trader capital base, market fees, transport costs, storage losses, and sales volumes. Marketing margin analysis and ordinary least squares regression were employed. Results revealed that marketing margins varied significantly by vegetable type and market location, with leafy vegetables recording the highest margins due to perishability losses. Transport cost was the most influential determinant of margin, followed by market levies and storage losses. Traders with higher capital bases and access to cold storage recorded narrower margins and higher throughput volumes. The study recommends improving road infrastructure linking production zones to urban markets and providing subsidised cold storage facilities in key market centres. Streamlining market levies through transparent fee structures is also advocated to improve market efficiency. These findings are relevant to the Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's market infrastructure investment planning. Keywords: marketing margins, vegetable traders, Enugu State, market efficiency, transport cost.