Socio-economic Analysis of Date Palm in Northwestern Nigeria

A study was conducted on the marketing potentials and indigenous utilization of date palm in Kaduna and Kano States in Northwestern Nigeria. Market structure, conduct, performance and profitability of dates trade were determined. Twenty-one indigenous uses were identified in Kaduna State while twenty indigenous uses were identified in Kano State. Categories of uses include household, medicinal, structural work, agricultural and religious purposes. The market for dates trade in the States was generally oligopolistic. Rate of Return on Investment (RORI) was lower in Kaduna compared to Kano. Profitability indices indicated that dates marketing was highly profitable in the study areas. Factors such as revenue, transportation cost and storage cost, loading and off-loading significantly (P<0.05) affect Net Income for wholesalers and retailers in the study area.Since the intention of the government is to diversify the source of income and to encourage the consumption of locally produced goods, dates marketing is a promising resource. Plantation establishment should be encouraged to involve all stakeholders.