Analysis of Variability of Concentration of Freight Vehicles in Specialized Agricultural Products Markets in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

The study examined the variability of degree of concentration of freight vehicles in specialized agricultural food products in Kano Metropolis. The data were collected using Focus Group Discussion on types and volume of vehicles conveying agricultural commodities. The numbers and averages of freight vehicles were presented in tables. Gini coefficient and linear regression were used to measure and examine degree of concentration of the vehicles. The findings indicated that lesser number of vehicles supplied products to the markets than those moving products out of the markets. Those moving the products out of the markets were mainly smaller vehicles (taxi cabs) used by retailers and therefore in smaller quantities. The Gini Coefficient values of freight vehicles were 14.5%, 0.5% and 1.95% for Dawanau, Yanlemo and Yankaba markets respectively. The vehicles moving out of the markets (for outside retails) fluctuate temporarily with vehicles (mostly trucks and buses) moving in with supplied products. Lastly, the study recommended for provision of more parking space and good internal road network, undertaking of more research on efficiency, routes and catchment areas of freight vehicles, and workshops for the transporters pertaining to perishability of commodities and transport safety.