Contractual arrangement in underutilized indigenous vegetables business in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria: marketers' perspective

Several studies on contractual arrangements focused on the perspective of farmers and neglected the aspect of the marketers. This study, therefore considered the involvement of underutilized indigenous vegetables (UIVs) marketers in contractual arrangement in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select 96 UIVs marketers and well-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from them. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and multiple regression analyses. The results showed that the contract between the farmers and the marketers was mere verbal and mostly initiated by the marketers. Ensuring a continuous flow of UIVs to sell and flow of income, prompted a majority (66.1%) into the contract. Occasionally, the marketers (38.7%) experienced breach of contract from the farmers. The variables that significantly and positively influenced income generated from UIVs marketing were involvement in contractual arrangement, marketing experience and household size. The study therefore, concluded that involvement in contract with farmers by marketers was profitable and therefore should be encouraged.