Market Condition and Regional Development Planning in Ekiti-State, South Western Nigeria

Abstract

A market is a geographical space that facilitates trade and enable the distribution and allocation of resources in a society, whereby parties engage in exchange of goods and services which promotes production, distribution and consumption activities and improve the welfare and social life of the people. The purpose of this study is to assess the types and condition of the market facilities in Ikere, Ise/Orun and Emure region of Ekiti state, South Western Nigeria with a view to enhancing the economic development of the study area. This study adopted the survey research method, and used three different questionnaires to collect research data from the Local Government authorities, market authorities and the market traders in the study area. The findings among others revealed that the facilities provided for the market traders are grossly inadequate and the existing market facilities are in bad conditions. Further findings reveal that the condition of most facilities in the markets was dilapidated and had not been adequately maintained; which is affecting the level of patronage of the markets. In view of the these findings, there were need to improve the market facilities and conditions through additional provision and maintenance of the existing markets. It was also suggested that private management firm should be responsible for the inspection and general maintenance of the entire market in the study area.

Keywords: Condition, Ekiti-State, Market, Module, Regional Development