ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF DAIRY MILK MARKETING AMONG PASTORAL MILK MAIDS AT GARABASA MARKET, KAZAURE LGA, JIGAWA STATE

This study examined the structure, conduct and performance of fresh milk marketing by pastoral milkmaids in Garabasa Market, Kazaure Local Government Area of Jigawa State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the dominance of traditional and informal marketing systems in Nigeria’s dairy subsector, where Fulani women play a central role in the collection, processing and retailing of fresh milk and its derivatives. Cross-sectional primary data were collected from 70 milk marketers selected from an estimated population of 90 using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, net marketing margin and marketing efficiency models were employed to analyze the socioeconomic characteristics of marketers, marketing channels, profitability and constraints associated with the business. The results revealed that the marketers were predominantly young and married women with large household sizes and low formal education, relying mainly on family and friends for startup capital and market information. Fresh milk supply exhibited seasonal variation, with higher quantities during the rainy season due to improved grazing conditions. The average gross marketing margins were ₦40 and ₦35 per litre for peak and off-peak periods respectively, while net marketing margins were ₦15.63 and ₦10.63, indicating that the enterprise is moderately profitable. Marketing efficiency values of 164.13% (peak) and 143.61% (off-peak) further showed that fresh milk retailing is economically viable. However, the marketing system is constrained by poor storage facilities, price fluctuations, limited access to formal market information, and dependence on traditional distribution channels. The study concludes that fresh milk marketing in the study area is profitable and efficient despite operating within an informal structure. It recommends improved storage and preservation facilities, access to formal credit and extension services, and the formation of cooperative societies to enhance information flow, bargaining power and overall market performance of pastoral milkmaids in Jigawa State.