An Analysis Of The Factors Affecting Intra-Annual Price Variation Of Live Small Ruminants In Northern Nigerian Savanna

Abstract

The paper seeks to evaluate the main factors that have significant influence on the prices of small ruminants. Data on 391 sheep and 369 goats in four rural markets and two urban markets were recorded from March to December fortnightly in 2003. In addition to prices age, sex, breed, type of buyer, purpose of purchase and origin of the animals were recorded. The data were analysed with the model presented by Andargachew and Brokken. It was found that price variations were connected with the pattern of supply and demand. The animal characteristics which affect the price of the animals are age, sex and size. The study recommended that a standard unit of sale (such as kilogram) be introduced in the sale of small ruminants in the markets and that livestock market price information be collected and disseminated by the relevant authorities. These, it is hoped, would enhance the performance of the small ruminants marketing system.

Keywords: Intra annual price, small ruminants, northern Nigeria, Savannah

Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol. 4 (2) 2006: pp. 140-148