A Survey of the Factors Affecting Market Patronage on the Path to Regional Development of Okitipupa, Nigeria

Abstract

Markets are economic institutions serving as social entities. Diverse people based on ethnic groups, racial backgrounds and cultural traits are linked by a market. Socio-cultural, religious and political activities equally take place in the markets. This study was carried out in Okitipupa the regional headquarter of Ikale people of Ondo State. The sample size of 120 was selected by the purposive sampling technique, taking cognizance that they were fully representative of the populations of the study area. The questionnaires retrieved, were coded and analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) Version 16 computer programs and the Excel spreadsheet software. The findings of the study reveal that infrastructure such as road, water, electricity, and waste management facilities were in a deplorable state. This in effect created a problem for market women and a discomfort to patrons of the market. It is recommended that the community should embark on self-help development of the market, create market management committee, seek for the intervention from the government and provide sustainable redevelopment programs for quick improvement of the market.