Effect of Periodic Markets on Poverty Reduction in Zaria Region of Kaduna State, Nigeria

This study examines the role of periodic markets on poverty reduction in Zaria region of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study focuses on four periodic markets: Giwa, Lambar Zango, Tudun Saibu and Makarfi. A mixed-method design was adopted, combining questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, direct observation and field/GPS observations. The market population discovered was 40,333 participants, for which 396 respondents were use. Questionnaire analysis contains 380 returned responses; however, the available survey evidence shows that 61.84% of respondents identified income generation as the principal poverty-related effect of market activities, while job creation accounted for 15.00%. Reported profit returns were concentrated below ₦10,000 per market day, with 30% reporting less than ₦5,000 and another 30% reporting ₦5,000–₦10,000. The regression model reported that R² = 0.835, with savings and job opportunities statistically significant predictors of average profit return. Because the aggregate regression includes observations whose market-level composition requires verification, the statistical estimates should be interpreted cautiously. The study concludes that periodic markets provide important channels for trading, income generation and livelihood support, while better infrastructure, savings mechanisms, market linkages and market record systems could strengthen their contribution to rural welfare.