Abstract
The study examined determinant of profitability among small scale goat marketers in Ado – Ekiti metropolis, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Data on socio – economic characteristics (age, experience on the job, household composition and educational status) and factors influencing profitability of goat marketing were obtained from respondents using a structured q uestionnaire. Sixty respondents were sourced for in the study area, selection was through multi – stage sampling process. Data generated were analysed using descriptive statistics (tables, frequencies, percentages and means) and regression analysis. The resu lt showed that 81.7% of the goat marketers were above 41 years of age with mean age of 58 years. Majority (53.3%) had between 6 and 11 years of goat marketing experience and a household size of 6 – 10 members was reported by 75% respondents. It is worthy to note that majority (70%) of the goat marketers in the study area had formal education. At 1% significance level, average price of feed, average price of shed and average price of commission charges were significant factors that influenced profitability of goat marketing. However, at 5% significant level, average price of labour and average price of medication were factors that determined profit. The result of the diagnostic statistics showed that adjusted r 2 value of 0.856 from the regression result reveale d that 85.6% explained variation in the marketing profit (y) is due to the joint effect of all the independent variables specified in the model. In conclusion, price reduction of identified factors can increase profitability of goat marketing business in t he study area.
