Spatial Mapping And Distribution Of Rural Periodic Markets In Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Publication Details

Publication Date

10/10/2026

Volume / Issue

Vol 1, Issue 5 (2026)

Article No.

041

Journal

British Journal of Contemporary Research

DOI

https://doi.org/10.67693/BJCR-QMNNUM6P

Received

19 Sep 2026

Views

17

Downloads

13

Abstract

This study examined the spatial mapping and distribution of rural periodic markets in Lafia Local Government Area (LGA), Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design supported by Geographic Information System (GIS), field observation and key informant interviews. Four rural periodic markets, namely Assakio, Agyaragu, Barikin Abdullahi (B.A.D.) and Kwandere, were identified and their geographical coordinates obtained using GPS. The coordinates were processed in ArcGIS to map the spatial distribution of the markets, while field observation and key informant interviews were used to examine their physical and functional characteristics. The findings revealed that the periodic markets are spatially dispersed across different parts of the study area and operate on designated days, namely Monday, Friday, Tuesday and Thursday respectively. Field observations further showed that the markets provide important spaces for the exchange of agricultural produce, livestock, provisions and household goods and serve catchment areas extending beyond their immediate host settlements. However, the markets were characterized by inadequate sanitation, drainage, water supply, storage facilities and basic trading structures. The study concludes that rural periodic markets are important economic and social nodes within the rural commercial system of Lafia LGA, but their functionality is constrained by inadequate infrastructure. The study recommends upgrading basic market facilities and integrating the mapped market locations into rural development and transportation planning to improve accessibility and strengthen their contribution to rural economic development.

License

This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License . Free to read, share, and adapt with attribution.