Market Participation and Income Distribution among Women Cassava Marketers in Anambra and Imo States, Nigeria


1

Authors

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62421

Keywords:

Agricultural Marketing, Capacity Building, Gender Empowerment, Income Inequality, Market Association, Rural Livelihood, Women Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Marketing of Cassava is a major livelihood activity of the rural women in South-East Nigeria, yet the differences in market participation and income distribution exist. This study examined income distribution and market participation among women processed cassava marketers in Imo and Anambra States, Nigeria during the 2025 marketing season. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 368 respondents from eight major market through the use of a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Gini coefficient, participation index, multiple regression, and probit regression models. The pooled Gini coefficient of 0.39 showed moderate income inequality and the overall market participation was high (82.64%) in product regulation, standardization, value addition, cooperative sales management, stakeholder decision-making, and price advocacy.  The marketing experience (P<0.01) and market association membership (P<0.01) significantly increased market participation. Education (P<0.01) significantly influenced income distribution in Anambra, while marketing experience and marital status significantly influenced income distribution in Imo State and the pooled sample.  Strengthening extension education, entrepreneurial capacity, and market institutions can enhance participation and income equality.  

Author Biographies

  • Cynthia Onyinyechi Obinna-Nwandikom, Federal University of Technology Owerri

    Cynthia Onyinye Obinna-Nwandikom is a lecturer I in the department of Agricultural Business, Federal University of Technology Owerri. She holds a Ph.D in Agricultural Economics.

  • Charles Omoruyi Eboje, University of Abuja

    Charles Eboje, is a senior lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Abuja. He holds a Ph.D in Agricultural Economics

  • Kelechi Henry Anyam, Federal University of Technology Owerri

    Anyiam Kelechi Henry is a lecturer I in the department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultral Economics.

  • Okoronkwo Christopher Enoch, Federal University of Technology Owerri

    Okoronkwo Christopher Enoch is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri. He holds an M.Sc. degree in Agricultural Economics

  • Ime Godswill Isaiah, Federal University of Technology Owerri

    Ime Godswill Isaiah is a lecturer II in the department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri. He holds a master degree in agricultural Economics.

  • John Arigor Arigor, Federal University of Technology Owerri

    Arigor John Arigor is a lecturer I in the department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri. He holds a Ph.D in Agricultural Economics.

  • Kelechi Chima Igwe, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike

    Kelechi Chima Igwe is a professor of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike. He holds  Ph.D in Agricultural Economics.

  • Clara Onyinye Igwe, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike

    Clara Onyinye Igwe is a senior lecturer in the department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike.

  • Onyinyechi Innocentia Adjaero, Federal University of Technology Owerri

    Onyinyechi Innocentia Adjaero is  an Assistant lecturer in the department of Agricultural Economics. She holds a master degree in Agricultural Economics.

  • Akanele Chori Obasi, Federal University of Technology Owerri

    Akanele Chori Obasi is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal university of Technology Owerri. She holds a master degree in Agriculural Economics.

  • Ujunwa Miriam Olumba, Federal University of Technology Owerri

    Ujunwa miriam Olumba is an Assistant Lecturer in the department of Agricultural economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri. She holds a master degree in Agricultural Economics.

  • Chinwe Nnene Obichere, Federal University of technology Owerri

    Chinwe Nnene Obichere is a Lecturer II in the department of Agricultural Extension, federal University of Technology Owerri. She holds a Ph.D in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology.

  • Obumneke Emmanuel Mbakaogu, Federal University of Technology Owerri

    Obumneke Emmanuel Mbakaogu is an Assistant Lecturer in the department of Agricultural Business, Federal University of Technology Owerri. He holds a master degree in Agricultural Economics.

  • Joseph Ugwa Enoch, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike

    Joseph Ugwa Enoch is a lecturer II in the department of Agricultural and Vocational Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. He holds a master degree in Vocational Education.

  • Frank Nna Okoro, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike.

    Frank Nna Okoro holds a Ph.D in Agricultural Economics. he is a financial expert of the department of Agricultural Economics, michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike.

  • Udoka Onyekachi Ejimofor, Federal University of Technology Owerri

    Udoka Onyekachi Ejimofor is an Assistant Lecturer in the department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri. He holds a master's degree in Agricultural Economics.

  • Ogechi Justin Nnosiri, Federal University of Technology Owerri

    Ogechi Justin Nnosiri is a Graduate Assistant in the department of Agricultural Business, Federal University of Technology Owerri.

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Submitted

15.07.2026

Published

31.08.2026

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. The data are not publicly available because they contain information that could compromise the privacy and confidentiality of the research participants.

Issue

Vol. 62 No. 4 (2026): The Indian Journal of Extension Education

Section

Research Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Indian Society of Extension Education, Division of Agricultural ExtensionICAR- IARI, New Delhi

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How to Cite

Obinna-Nwandikom, C. O. ., Eboje, C. O. ., Anyam, K. H., Enoch, O. C. ., Isaiah, I. G. ., Arigor, J. A. ., Igwe, K. C., Igwe, C. O. ., Adjaero, O. I. ., Obasi, A. C. ., Olumba, U. M. ., Obichere, C. N. ., Mbakaogu, O. E. ., Enoch, J. U. ., Okoro, F. N. ., Ejimofor, U. O. ., & Nnosiri, O. J. . (2026). Market Participation and Income Distribution among Women Cassava Marketers in Anambra and Imo States, Nigeria. Indian Journal of Extension Education, 62(4), 146-154. https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62421
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