Marketing Activities and Egg Cracks in the Marketing Chain and Disposal Methods in Khartoum State Groceries

Abstract

During the period February – April 2016 this survey study was conducted in Khartoum State on the marketing activities and egg cracks in the marketing chain and methods of disposal of cracked table egg. This is by considering similarities in the marketing chain and merits of each locality with reference to 1980 population census and the population density of each locality. From these data 40 groceries were randomly selected from Khartoum, 30 from Omdurman and 20 from Khartoum North. Questionnaires, interviews and personal observation were used for data collection on personal characteristics, commercial and marketing activities, pricing, transportation, egg cracks and methods of disposal of cracked egg. Data was analysed using descriptive statistic. The main finding were that pricing Policy was based on supply and demand, egg purchase on external appearance, price competition not considered, consumers prefer buying by dozen while grocery owners prefer selling by tray. The source of egg was almost equal between companies and farm units, The storage period was 2 -14 days. Egg transport by company cars or open cars or rough roads. Display methods, mostly in open verandas and some good portion on the ground. Some of these commercial activities are conductive to egg damage and for breakage. For cracked egg some total of 18.9% indicate high. For cracked egg disposal it was mostly by away from the farm (32.2%) and 13.3% by garbage car which poses environmental and health hazards. The study indicated no relationship or correlation between either the educational level or SSMO type of information and the method of cracked egg disposal. The study noted complete absence of any extension programs or any regulatory presence of any official body or institution for cracked egg disposal treatment.