STRUCTURE, CONDUCT AND PERFOMANCE OF THE RICE MARKET IN NORTH-WEST REGION OF CAMEROON: A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study carried out in the Menchum River valley, Northwest Region of Cameroon, in the year 2013 had as objective to analyze the structure, conduct and performance of the rice market in this zone. The study interviewed a total of 92 respondents (75 farmers-traders, 3 millers, 4 wholesalers and 10 retailers) who were selected purposively. The analysis of the results showed that the main actors involved in the rice market were: farmers-producers, wholesalers, millers and retailers. The males generally dominate in the rice trade particularly wholesaling (80%), milling (100%), while women dominate in the retail business (70%). The millers and the wholesalers are the principal buyers of farmers’ produce (paddy). The rice market is oligopolistic in nature, prices are determined mainly by the forces of demand and supply and it equally does not satisfy customer desires or requirements. The millers obtained the highest margins amongst the trader. In terms of equity, the margins vary from one actor of the market to the other with the miller getting the greatest share and closely followed by the farmer. The principal constraints identified by the study that affects actors of the rice market were, bad farm to market roads, lack of capital, poor quality of rice and the insufficient improved seeds for farmers as well as poor selling methods. The recommendations at the end of this study are centered mainly on enhancing production and productivity, facilitating extension services and enhancing marketing.