Socio-economic characteristics of camel (Camelus dromedarius) marketers in Mai'adua livestock market, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the socio-economic characteristics of camel marketers at Mai'adua livestock market in Katsina state. Random technique methods were used to select 45 marketers and an interview was used to generate the information. All the correspondents were males and married. Majority (46.67%) were between the age category of 35-40 years and only 11.11% were 55 years and above. Majority (75.56%) attended Qur'anic schools. Niger republic was the major source of the camels as indicated by 68.89% of the respondents while 17.78% and 11.11% indicated Katsina and Jigawa states respectively. Among the animal brought to the marker for sales males out-numbered the females while in the frequency of sales, females out-numbered the males because of variation in prices as indicated by 71.17% and 55.5% of the respondents respectively. Majority of the camels purchased were transported to Kano main abattoir for slaughter: There was variation in prices between males and females, stages of growth and development and physiological status. Camel calf (male) had a high price of N70,000 and above while that of female costs N60,000 and above, bull and heifer are sold at a minimum of N90,000 to N95,000 and N70.000 to N75,000 while old camel bull and cow were sold at medium price of between N160,000-N165,000 and N130,000-N135,000 respectively. However; (53.33%) of the respondents indicated lack of weighing devices as a major constraint and most (46.67%) indicated inconsistency in pricing among others. I seasonal variation was said to determine the demand. During early rain' season, farmers purchased male camel bulls for farming activities as indicated by the respondents (40.00%). Lack of awareness on the importance of camel meat also posed a constraint as camel meat was widely consumed (73.33%) in the area. Cost of camels increased during Eid-El-Kabir as indicated by 44.44%. The study reported information on marketing, sources, uses and destination of camels respectively.