Collection and marketing of Bitter Cola (</i>Garcinia kola</i>) in Nkwerre Local Government area, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the collection and marketing of bitter cola in Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State Nigeria, with a general objective of determining the profitability and the constraints of bitter cola trade in the area. A total of one hundred and ten respondents were randomly selected from five rural communities. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and personal interview. Most of the collectors were males. Net profit of N200,157.00k (about 930K euros) was recorded from sales of bitter cola by the respondents. The amount of cola collected per year was positively related to marital status, age, distance and cost of bitter cola; age and labour costs were also significant predictors. Constraints encountered by collectors and marketers include rot and decay during storage (99%), poor storage facilities (97%), pest and diseases (88.2%) and labour costs (68.2%). Recommendations based on the findings include providing financial resources in form of loans, grants or incentives in order to boost bitter cola production, increase income and reduce poverty. Research in the area of domestication, plantation establishment, preservation and storage of the seeds need to be encouraged.Keywords: Net profit, production constraints, household income