ECONOMICS OF PORK RETAILING OPERATIONS IN SOME MAJOR TOWNS IN EDO AND DELTA STATES: IMPLICATIONS FOR INCREASING LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the economics of the retailing operations in the livestock industry in Nigeria with a view to finding out how the last link in the marketing system of livestock products could be used to enhance increased livestock production. Fifty-five pork retailing establishments were interviewed in four major towns in Edo and Delta States. Findings showed that the business was economically viable, the returns to management per year per trader was ₦33,350. About 32% of the respondents could not meet up with the demand for the product. It was also revealed from the study that ₦180, 237 was spent annually per trader in the business, 95% of the amount was used to buy the meat for sale. The major constraints of the business were inadequate supply of the product, high cost of pigs, finance, and inconsistent electric power supply. There is the need to increase the supply of pork in the States by reducing existing constraints reasonably. This could be achieved through favorable mix of macroeconomic policies that will enhance livestock production in Nigeria.