PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL OF THE ROLE OF CYCLE TRADERS IN THE MARKETING OF AGRICULTURAL STAPLES IN MAMU, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

The study analyzed the performance of cycle traders in the marketing of foodstuffs in Mamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. A survey was carried out in the boundary market over five cycle market days across one hundred and fifty (150) foodstuffs traders. Cycle traders were grouped into fifteen (15) homogenous foodstuffs trading categories. Descriptive analytical tools were then used to analyse the socio-demographic characteristics of foodstuffs marketers in the market. Further, quantitative analytical tools were used to analyse the extent of inequalities in the stock levels and trade volume, market expenditures, and returns to traders. Results revealed that majority of the cycle traders in the sample had low educational attainment, and were married into polygamous families of four to ten children, on the average. Indices of inequality also revealed that there was a relative equality in incomes realized by traders on cycle market days. Notwithstanding the relative equality in market expenditures, stock levels, volume of trade, and market incomes, training programme should be organized for boundary market traders. Such educational programmes should focus on improving the literacy ability, and the accounting and trading skills of cycle marketers in the study area.