Market structure, trader behaviour and performance of small ruminants marketing in Benin, West Africa

Livestock markets are characterised by imperfections, distortions, and efficiency problems that impact livestock marketing. The purpose of this research was to analyse the sheep goat marketing system in Benin using structure-conduct-performance (SCP) approach. Primary data were collected from 215 small ruminant traders selected 21 calculate market concentration degree, margin, efficiency. four largest traders’ ratio (CR4) Hirschman Herfindahl Index (HHI) show have an effective competition structure. These unconcentrated, barriers entry nonexistent, except for trading capital. Small ruminants sold differed according animal’s body condition, ecotype, age, sex, coat colour. attributes periods sale main factors influence pricing. Transport costs, animal feed care transport, taxes transaction costs faced traders. total per goats estimated at 742.7 ± 530.7 XOF 663.2 463.6 respectively (XOF is a common official currency eight member states West African Economic Monetary Union. 1 USD = 612,38 XOF). Average margin 5,869.2 4,357.7 3,851.2 1,597.8 goat. 78.8% 78.9% goats. This depended significantly on type trader, whereby wholesalers least efficient. Efficiency, including margins, did not vary between To improve marketing, attention needs be given improving road infrastructure serves formulating new policies taxes.