The Investigating Socio-Economic Contributions of Informal Workers’ Associations Towards Development of Periodic Markets in Katsina City

Abstract

There are few studies that relate to informal economy workers’ associations and their contributions to the development of periodic markets in Nigeria. Associations of informal economy workers usually dominate periodic markets establishments. The main objective of this study is to explore the socio-economic contributions of informal Economy Workers Associations to the development of periodic markets around Katsina city. Being an exploratory study and using phenomenological approach of qualitative research, interviews were held with officials of the seven recognized informal economy workers’ associations. These interviews were held in Himata, Kofar Marusa and ‘Yar Kutungu markets; being the three periodic rural markets available in Katsina. Drawing inferences from their activities in the periodic markets of Katsina city, the study examines how these organised informal economy workers’ associations contribute to the socio-economic development of these periodic markets. Findings reveal that the operations of these associations are the main hub of commercial activities of the periodic markets in the city. The associations contribute to the development of the periodic markets in the city markets through generation of employment and income to the members and revenue generation to the authorities. The study recommends that, given the multiplicity of the informal economic activities in the periodic markets, the government should try to expand the scope of the markets in order to attract more members from far and wide.