Post by Trade Coach on Feb 10, 2021 19:23:34 GMT 1
We have previously discussed Agricultural Marketing in Nigeria, today we shall be concluding the topic with problems affecting agricultural marketing. Enjoy.
It is important to understand the nature of this agricultural marketing problems so as to find workable solutions. Some of the problem of agricultural product marketing in Nigeria include the following:
Too many middlemen
Agricultural product marketing is often seen as a complex process by some farmers, that is why they involve a large number of middlemen in the marketing of their products. Forcing them to sell at ridiculous prices.
Inadequate transport facilities
Findings have shown that bad road network hinders transportation of agricultural products to the market or to the consumer, also unsuitability of the present transport facilities for some produces like vegetables and fruits make them difficult to transport sometimes because they start wilting almost immediately after harvest.
Poor handling and packaging
Poor handling and packaging of some of this agricultural produce reduces their market value or total damage of the produce. Poor handling and packaging of green vegetables and tomatoes will make it start wilting or rot as soon as possible. Poor handling also exposes the produce to physical damage and quality deterioration.
Lack of storage facilities and processing facilities
Improper storage facilities reduce the quality and market value of these crops. Over 20-30% of yearly farm harvest is lost during storage and processing.
Lack of adequate information about agricultural marketing
Most of this agricultural marketing problems can be linked to the lack of adequate information about a particular product e.g the shelf life, handling, and storage of a product should be known before harvesting.
Also, information prior to production is also essential for the farmer/producers. Market research is also necessary to understand the customers and their preference, to identify opportunities to grow and increase profits.
A farmer/producer should also be equipped with adequate information about market price and the new trends.
Lack of organized market
This has made it difficult for farmers/producer to identify their consumers, they are usually forced to sell at unfavorable prices and unfavorable time to the intermediaries.
Having identified the challenges facing agricultural marketing, we are many steps ahead at finding solutions to these challenges. Stakeholders in the agricultural sector should therefore work on these problems by preferring long lasting solutions which will in return make agriculture more rewarding and profitable.
It is important to understand the nature of this agricultural marketing problems so as to find workable solutions. Some of the problem of agricultural product marketing in Nigeria include the following:
Too many middlemen
Agricultural product marketing is often seen as a complex process by some farmers, that is why they involve a large number of middlemen in the marketing of their products. Forcing them to sell at ridiculous prices.
Inadequate transport facilities
Findings have shown that bad road network hinders transportation of agricultural products to the market or to the consumer, also unsuitability of the present transport facilities for some produces like vegetables and fruits make them difficult to transport sometimes because they start wilting almost immediately after harvest.
Poor handling and packaging
Poor handling and packaging of some of this agricultural produce reduces their market value or total damage of the produce. Poor handling and packaging of green vegetables and tomatoes will make it start wilting or rot as soon as possible. Poor handling also exposes the produce to physical damage and quality deterioration.
Lack of storage facilities and processing facilities
Improper storage facilities reduce the quality and market value of these crops. Over 20-30% of yearly farm harvest is lost during storage and processing.
Lack of adequate information about agricultural marketing
Most of this agricultural marketing problems can be linked to the lack of adequate information about a particular product e.g the shelf life, handling, and storage of a product should be known before harvesting.
Also, information prior to production is also essential for the farmer/producers. Market research is also necessary to understand the customers and their preference, to identify opportunities to grow and increase profits.
A farmer/producer should also be equipped with adequate information about market price and the new trends.
Lack of organized market
This has made it difficult for farmers/producer to identify their consumers, they are usually forced to sell at unfavorable prices and unfavorable time to the intermediaries.
Having identified the challenges facing agricultural marketing, we are many steps ahead at finding solutions to these challenges. Stakeholders in the agricultural sector should therefore work on these problems by preferring long lasting solutions which will in return make agriculture more rewarding and profitable.