Observation

Many candidates did not attempt this question and those that did performed poorly.
Some candidates explained channel members for market facilitators. Other candidates could not explain the roles of market union as exemplified by Garri Seller’s Union.

Expected responses are.

(a)       A Market Union is the coming together of various traders who sell similar
commodities or products in a particular market to advance and protect the
interests of its members.

1. Functions of Market Facilitators

1. They give loans to market union members.
2. They provide overdraft to channel members.
3. They accept deposits from channel members.
4. They provide warehousing facilities for goods.
5. They move goods from one place to another.
6. They render security services to market operators.
7. They insure goods and services against business risks.
8. They advertise goods for producers.
9. They provide means of communication between buyers and sellers
10. They provide advisory and consultancy services.     

1. Roles of Garri Sellers Union

1. They settle disputes among members.
2. They help to promote unity among members.
3. They encourage joint purchase of products among members to enjoy economies of scale.
4. They disseminate useful information in the market to their members.
5. They offer financial assistance to members in the form of loans and grants.
6. They educate their members on appropriate selling techniques.
7. They present a common front in their negotiations with government and other organized institutions.
8. They mobilize financial contributions and collections among members on weekly and monthly basis.