ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF RURAL ROAD NETWORK ON THE PATRONAGE OF RURAL MARKETS IN LAFIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between rural road infrastructure and access to rural markets
in Lafia Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State. The main objectives of the study are
to map out the rural road and market centres in the area, categorize the different types of rural
markets, and assesse the challenges faced by the patronizers of rural markets. The research
methodology involves a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data
collection through surveys, interviews, field observations, and focus group discussions.
Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping was used to analyze the spatial distribution of
rural markets in relation to the road network. The study adopts purposive sampling to select wards
with rural periodic markets, ultimately choosing four wards for the research. The study found out
that the market centers were sparsely distributed and categorized into daily (20%) and periodic
markets (80%). The major challenges faced by traders were poor condition (potholes,
waterlogging) of road (21%), high transport charges (45%) and reduction in market patronage
(19%). The implications of the study are the poor condition of rural roads is not only a
transportation issue but also has broader economic and social implications, affecting the wellbeing of the local population and the functioning of the markets in the study area.