Factors influencing market choices for uptake of agricultural commodities among patrons at open-air and modern markets in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

The study explored factors that influence market choices for uptake of agricultural commodities among patrons in open air and modern markets in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. One hundred and eighty-two respondents, comprising 94 and 88 patrons from modern markets (MM) and open-air markets (OAM), respectively were purposively sampled based on availability, willingness to participate in the survey and frequency of patronage at sampled markets within a period of one month prior to the time of study. Data collected using semi-structured interview schedule were summarised using mean, frequency counts and percentages. Patrons at both market types were generally young and middle-aged adults with mean ages of 30.3±6.7 and 27.9±9.2 years for OAM and MM respondents, respectively. More than half of respondents (71.6% and 51.1% for OAM and MM, respectively) were female. More respondents with higher income patronized the MM than the OAM. Availability of wide range of sellers of same commodity (3.7±2.3) and opportunity to bargain prices (3.6±2.0) ranked highest of the motivating factors among the OAM patrons, while clean and conducive environment (3.7±2.1) and the opportunity to make payments using Point of Sale Service (3.5±1.8) were major motivating factors for MM patrons. Majority of respondents from both OAM and MM, respectively, preferred to purchase tubers (90.0% and 87.2%) and grains (81.8% and 73.4%) from open air markets. Similarly, 50.0% and 78.7% of respondents from OAM and MM, respectively preferred to uptake animal protein from modern markets. Dirty and unhygienic environment (2.6±0.6), unavailability of parking spaces (2.5±0.7) and poor protection from extreme weather conditions (2.5±0.8) rated as more severe constraints faced by respondents in OAM. Long queues at payment counters (2.6±0.9) and need to drop off baggage at entry points (2.2±0.7) were major constraints faced by MM patrons. The study concludes that shift in patrons’ preference between open air and modern markets is dependent on types of agricultural commodities to buy.