Structure of Maiduguri cattle market, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Market structure is an important factor that influences the performance and efficiency of a market. The study aimed at determining the structure of Maiduguri cattle market. Primary data were collected, from questionnaires randomly administered to the respondents. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse product differentiation and market information. Gini coefficient was used to determine market concentration, while scale economics was used to determine case of/or barrier to entry or exist. The results showed that information transfer was timely and satisfactory and some degree of product differentiation exist in the market. Cattle are differentiated in terms of age, breed, weight and sex. The concentration of sellers is low while entry is free. The market is thus an imperfectly competitive market of oligopolistic nature.

Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol. 4(2) 2005: 159-164