Utilization of designated market points among street traders: The role of illiteracy, turnover rate and poverty mentality

Abstract

This research was conducted to proffer solution to the refusal of street traders from using governmentdesignated market points meant for them. The study examined illiteracy, turnover rate and poverty mentality as factors preventing street traders from operating in designated market points. It is a cross-sectional survey using four randomly selected market areas in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. 200 traders were purposively selected to participate
in the study, comprising of 50 samples representing each market locations. Using a structured questionnaire to collect data from participants and descriptive statistics to analyse data generated for the study, findings showed that illiteracy (x ²=0.861, df=8, p>.05) and turnover rate (x ²=4.377, df=8, p>.05) did not significantly predict the use of formally designated market points, but economic status (RII=3.95) ranked higher among the factors in poverty mentality signifying poverty mentality as a determinant for the usage of designated market points. The study concluded that illiteracy and turnover rate are not vital in determining the usage of designated market points among street traders but poverty mentality does. Therefore, improving the welfare of street traders in terms of finance and infrastructure was recommended.

Keywords: Illiteracy, Turnover rate, Poverty mentality, Market points, Street traders.