SPATIO-TEMPORAL INTEGRATION OF PERIODIC MARKETS IN THARAKA-NITHI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

The study of spatial and temporal integration of periodic markets in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya was conducted between December, 2017 and April, 2018. The main objective of the study was to determine the distribution and integration of periodic markets in Tharaka-Nithi County. Descriptive cross-sectional research design was used in this study. The target population was 365,330 and the sample size was 384 respondents Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the study sample. Respondents who include traders and buyers in each periodic market were determined and a sample of each market proportionately obtained. Data used in this study was obtained from topographical maps, questionnaires archival records and information provided by market masters and fee collectors. The location and coordinates of markets were attained by use of a GPS (Germin-6 model). Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. Distribution of markets analyzed using the nearest neighbor method yielded a Z-score of 10.183 indicating that distribution of periodic markets was regular. Spatio-integration of periodic markets was tested using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients. The study established that there was a positive correlation between the number of markets and market days (r²=0.294; P>0.05). Results of this study indicate that the distribution of periodic markets in Tharaka-Nithi County is inconsistent with the rapid growth of population. Distribution of the periodic markets has resulted to unequal distribution of commodities. This study will help to the County government and policy makers to decide suitable areas for establishment of new markets as well as periodicity. To enhance the contribution of periodic markets in promoting food security, the study recommends both institutional and infrastructural interventions that include improving the layout and quality of physical facilities in the market and road improvement and the construction of new feeder roads. Good rural transport network will ensure efficient flow of goods especially from surplus regions to deficit regions.