Effect of Transaction Costs on Seller Decisions among Small-Holder Cassava Farmers in South-Eastern Nigeria

A linear probability model (LPM) analysis of seller decisions selling cassava on-farm (farm-gate) or off-farm (market) was derived and estimated consistent with a sample 216 farm households. Variables of proportional transaction costs have different effects on off-farm and on-farm market participation decisions. The seller type decision revealed that coefficients for have a personal means of transport, road conditions to the nearest town and marketing experience were positive and significantly related to increase in off-farm cassava sellers at 5% level of probability. The coefficient for distance from the house to the farm was negatively and significantly related to increase in farmers selling off-farm at 1% level of probability. The coefficients for crop transportation costs, distance to the nearest town, distance from the house to the farm and yield were negative and significant at 5% level of probability. These decisions to participate as an off-farm or on-farm seller were as a result of proportional transaction costs associated with participating in the market. It was found that unexpected transaction costs inhibit farm households from selling off-farm. The results therefore calls for policies aimed at infrastructural development especially on roads and establishment of bulking centers to mitigate transportation costs