Evaluating the Socioeconomic Factors and Distribution Challenges in Retail Dried Catfish Marketing: A Case Study of Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

This study examined the factors affecting Dried Catfish marketing in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria using Primary data. The data were sourced using a well-structured questionnaire. A multistage sampling technique was employed to randomly select 90 respondents at the final stage in the study area. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin, and regression analyses. The results showed that female dominated the enterprise with 100% and (83.3%) of the married respondents shows that they are still in their active and productive age. The result of the gross margin analysis shows that Catfish marketing was a profitable venture given the value of gross margin to be ₦6, 047,500 per trip. The regression analysis reveals that age, educational level and years of experience were statistically significantly for Catfish marketers in the study area. It is therefore recommended that government should assist dried Catfish marketers by making available low interest credit facilities so that marketers can have access to finance to boost their business. In lieu of external support, Catfish marketers can explore new markets and distribution channels to broaden the reach of retailed-dried catfish products, and also get involved in developing new flavors, packaging options, or introducing value-added catfish products to attract a wider consumer base.