Non Zootechnical Factors in the Sale of Small Ruminants as Influenced by Wholesale Traders in the City of Niamey in Niger

Abstract

Aims:  This study identified non-zootechnical parameters influencing the sale of small ruminants by wholesale traders. Study Design: The study was conducted by researchers from the National Institute of Agronomic Research of Niger, the Livestock Multiplication Center, and Abdou Moumouni Universities of Niamey and Agadez. The study was conducted over a year in the five districts of the Niamey Urban Community (NUC), covering the main livestock markets: Airport, Koira Tegui, Lazaret, Niamey 2000, Talladjé, Tourakou, and Right Bank markets. Methodology: The study focused on sixteen non-zootechnical parameters to determine their significance levels. Data were collected from 407 livestock traders using survey forms. Analyses performed using Stata software involved the application of multiple linear regression. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method was used to estimate coefficients of the explanatory variables. Results: The results revealed the importance of non-zootechnical variables in the process of selling small ruminants by wholesale traders. Marital status (divorced) and the place of sale (right bank) had a significant influence of 5% on the sales of small ruminants conducted by wholesale traders. The modalities related to the Hausa ethnicity, the markets of Koira Tegui and Niamey 2000, and the purchasing motive for breeding and resale had a significant influence of 10% on sales. The variables of affiliation to an organization, mode of payment (cash), and sales location (Tourakou) were also found to be significant at the 1% level. Conclusion: The significant variables can be summarized as affiliation to an organization, purchasing motive, marital status, sales location, ethnicity, and mode of payment.