The role of women in the marketing of melon seeds in Niger state.

Abstract

The production of melon (egusi) seeds in Agaie, Bida, Lavun, Paiko, Gbako, Lapai, Chanchaga, Bosso and other Local Government Areas of Niger State is of great economic importance and benefit to the state. These areas revealed that almost every housewife in every household is involved in the production, processing and marketing of melon (egusi) seeds. Melon (egusi) seeds constitute an important source of protein and oil. When cooked it is popularly referred to as ‘egusi soup’. The nutritional contributions to the body requirements by melon cannot be overemphasized. Marketing plays a crucial role only in enhancing production but also in economic development in general. This paper examines the role of women in the marketing of melon (egusi) seeds. Data used was collected from fifty randomly selected women traders in five different markets including Mobil central market, Paiko market, Chanchaga market, Gwadabe market and Bosso market. These areas were picked because of the presence of women who are involved in melon marketing. Descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis were use in analyzing the data. The paper identified that with small quantities of melon seeds which these women buy, particularly in Minna Central Market they incur relatively low cost on transportation, storage, and still go home with relatively high gross margins of N29,890, N29,220 and N30,450 for the years 1999, 2000 and 2001. Traders in Paiko markets and Gwadabe markets bought and sold in bags as against those in Minna Central Market who bought and sold in “mudus. The constraints faced by the traders include inadequate capital, transport and storage facilities.