Distribution of Market Centers, Market Periodicities, and Marketing in Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

In this paper I wish to add to our knowledge of markets and marketing in northern Nigeria. Hopefully, a number of such studies will result in a complete map of periodic markets in Nigeria. In addition to attempting to map the distribution of market centers, I will consider here a number of issues raised in earlier studies and their relevance or lack of it to the study area. Hodder (1965) asserts that "the distribution of periodic markets shows little correspondence either with the distribution of population, size or hierarchy of rural or urban settlements" (p.15). Evidence will be adduced from recent studies to show that this conclusion is not correct. This paper will also attempt to relate the pre-imoundment locations of market centers to the new locations and suggest the probble effects of relocation on market functions and market areas. Finally, to illustrate the structure and development of the marketing system in the study area, I will present a brief account of the marketing of onions.