An Analysis of Quantitative and Qualitative Factors Influencing Cattle Price in Trans-Border Trade Between Nigeria and Niger Republic

Background and Objective: Cross-border cattle trade is an important economic activity in the agricultural sector which provide income to the market participants. The objective of the study is to examine quantitative and qualitative factors influencing cattle price in trans-border trade and to determine the price of cattle based on categories of buyers, seasons of sale and body conditions of the animal. Materials and Methods: Maigatari and Dungass cattle border markets were purposively selected from Nigeria and Niger Republic, respectively. Eighty-five and fifty traders were randomly selected from the respective markets. Also, a sample of 1,046 bulls and 371 cows were selected from the two markets. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The result shows that the LS mean prices of cattle were 94,115.20 ($243.19) and 89,677.43 ($231.72) at Maigatari and Dungass, respectively. The price of cattle in Maigatari (terminal) was significantly (p<0.01) higher than that of the Dungass (supplying) market. Also, the result reveals that sex, weight and market supply had positive coefficients and significant (p<0.001) influence on cattle price. Seasons of sale and types of buyers had positive coefficients and significant influence on the market price at p<0.001 with a value of R² of 0.933. Conclusion: Thus, the study recommends proper breeding and management practices on the factors influencing cattle prices. Market information that updates producers on buyers’ requirements and seasons of sale should be provided.