Factors Affecting the Volume of Trade on Seafood in Umuahia Markets, Abia State, Nigeria

The broad objective of this study is to examine the factors affecting the quantity of sea foods traded in Umuahia markets in Abia State, Nigeria. Two sets of structured questionnaire were used to collect data from iced fish traders, (wholesaler and retailers) and periwinkle retail traders. A total of 100 traders of sea foods randomly selected from four markets were interviewed. They consist of 30 wholesalers and 40 retailers of iced fish, and 30 retailers of periwinkle. Simple statistical tools such as percentages, frequency distribution and the regression analysis were applied to the data collected. Results show that the commodities were supplied from distant places, namely; Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Cross River States. Factors that have significant effect on the quantity of wholesale trade on iced fish are household size, level of education, operating capital and the commodity price. Income from secondary occupation is significant in affecting retail trade on the iced fish while years of trading experience was statistically significant in affecting retail trade on periwinkle. The F-ratios were significant. The R2 showed that the variations in the dependent variable were captured by the independent variables. Formulation of policies that will encourage inter-State is recommended.Key words: Seafoods, Trade, Markets, Abia Stat