Seasonal in market prices of livestock products in Ibadan Metropolis

Abstract

The myriads of problems confronting the agricultural sector in general and the livestock industry in particular is hardly seen from the effect of efficient marketing structures for its products especially in relation to price behavior over time. This study thus examined the trend of seasonality in the market prices of some selected livestock products in Ibadan Metropolis. Time series data on monthly prices of beef, chicken, egg and milk which spanned a period of seventy two months (1992 -1997) were analyzed using a dis-aggregated time trend analysis.

Results showed a high degree of fluctuations and a general increase in prices. Seasonal and a general trend analysis showed that highest prices were recorded for these products during seasons of major festivities such as Christmas and Eid-el-kabir. The study also revealed pronounced cyclical and irregular price behaviour.

Therefore, since prices are directly or indirectly affected by market, structures particularly transportation and storage, improved marketing structure in general and transportation aids, storage facilities in particular are recommended in order to stabilize livestock prices.

Key words: Seasonal index, De-seasonalisation, cyclical and irregular movement