Socio-Economic Profile of Fresh Milk Marketers, Product Types, and Marketing Constraints in Borno State, Nigeria
Fresh milk marketing in Borno State, Nigeria, constitutes an important livelihood activity dominated by pastoral households, particularly women. This study examined the socio-economic characteristics of fresh milk marketers, identified the types of milk products marketed, and analyzed the constraints affecting marketing efficiency. Primary data were collected from 302 purposively selected marketers across Biu, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), and Monguno Local Government Areas using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and ranking). Results showed that 89.07% of marketers were female, 71.83% were married, and 66.23% had no formal education. Yoghurt (Kindirmo) was the most marketed product (44.70%), followed by skimmed milk (Nono) (32.12%) and fresh milk (Madara) (23.18%). Major constraints included lack of storage facilities (17.95%), milk spoilage (17.37%), poor road infrastructure (10.93%), lack of credit (9.56%), and insecurity (9.23%). The study concludes that infrastructural deficits and limited access to finance significantly constrain milk marketing efficiency. Investments in cold chain systems, rural infrastructure, and credit access are recommended.
Keywords: Fresh milk marketing, Socio-economic characteristics, Milk product types, Marketing constraints, Borno State
