Marketing survey of retailers, wholesalers and producers of rice in Ugwueke, Nigeria. (c1989)

Abstract

This study is a litmus test to the present Nigerian Government Structural Adjustment Program of 1986-88 {SAP} which lays much emphasis on the non-oil sector of the economy. The research was conducted to analyze the production and marketing system of rice in Ugwueke village with a view to ascertain the scope for improvement of the present marketing system. Thereby encouraging the production and the welfare of the rural populace. Despite the fact that one of the objectives of the structural adjustment program was to encourage farming and marketing by providing necessary incentives to the farmers. It is surprising that rural, small-landholding have scant or no contact with mainstream rural development finance. However, large sums of money at low rates of interest have flowed to some rural elites. This includes some medium and large farmers under various agricultural development projects. But very little or nothing has gone to the small farmers. Thus, the ultimate objective which a structural adjustment program sought, is creating a new economic order to ensure a better future for all Nigerians. The fact is that the past and present administration in Nigeria has been running an interdependent economic structure based on oil {monoproduct}, greed, and unregulated market forces and failure. The circulation of the national resources has been interrupted by short-term national and group selfishness. As such we cannot continue to survive if the vast majority of the masses are denied a fair share in the marketing of their product. " This is our crisis and our opportunity." The production of rice could be increased by ensuring incentives to the farmers and the present marketing system could also be improved by providing marketing credit and storage facilities to rural people.