Abstract:
The study depends on the economics of banana marketing in Somalia,
particularly the main banana producing region “Lower Shabelle
Region” and Mogadishu markets, the main central distribution of
banana fruits in Somalia.
The core objective of the study is to evaluate marketing economics of
banana product in Somalia during the civil war (1991-2005) in lower
shabelle. In particular, the study gave emphasis on the socio-economic
characteristics of banana farmers, the situation of the existing banana
marketing channels, banana-marketing process, and price trends,
setting budgets and identifying the marketing obstacles during the civil
stress.
The study used two data sources primary and secondary source. On
primary data, a questionnaire was prepared from different actors of
banana marketing which were subjected to descriptive statistical
analysis and frequency distribution using Microsoft Excel. Meanwhile,
the secondary data was used where it is applicable like the price
trends and exchange rates.
The study divided the lower shabelle region into three major banana-
growing areas Marka the headquarter of the study region, Afgoye
district and Qoriyoley-Kurtun Waarey district and assess the marketing
of banana fruits in Mogadishu’s Bakaara market where the produce are
mainly sold and distributed to the other regions in the country. A
stratified random sampling was used for designing the sampling
iii
system including the farmers, wholesalers, and retailers of banana
marketing.
Socioeconomic analysis illustrated that the farmers are experienced for
more than 10 years, were employment was good 64%. The study
results of the marketing channel analysis indicated that a number
of six different marketing channels to serve banana farmers
(producers) and final consumers
In marketing process analysis showed that the marketing costs are
high due to the many constraints that exist, the transportation cost is
70% of the marketing costs, while the illegal fee for roadblock agents
above 23%, and on marketing channels there are many players which
lowers down the marketing margins.
Analysis of the banana price trends from the year 1991 to 2005
demonstrated that the banana had an excessive fluctuations due to
two factors in exchange markets, (banknotes reprinted by the
businesspersons) and export markets that were totally stopped.
The study showed that marketing activities face problems since the
collapse of the central government from 1991 such as lack of security
for all participants of the market activities, poor infrastructure, and
high inflation.
The study concluded and recommend to Establish marketing
associations that can carryout the responsibilities of all marketing
activities who are in need for the Somali banana markets.
