The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of livestock traders' competitive rivalry on market access in pastoral areas. The study focused on how traders' socioeconomic characteristics, livestock production and marketing developments, market supply and demand relations, and business model incorporation into livestock commerce can generate knowledge and best practices for regulating competition and performance in local markets.
The rationale for investigating competition and market access factors was based on the fact that livestock-keeping is a source of livelihood depended on by over 60% of the Turkana population. While the majority of livestock development challenges are production-related, competition and market access shortfalls make potential livestock markets inefficient and non-lucrative. Exploratory and descriptive research designs and a mixed-methods research approach were used to structure the study. Data was collected from study populations, i.e., primary market traders (n = 243), secondary market traders (n = 168), and livestock specialists working for the government and civil society (n = 24). T
Knowledge generated on livestock production and marketing in pastoral areas for use by government and civil society in effective programming of livestock developments in pastoral areas is the basis for the study's critical implications for theory and practice. To structure, enhance performance, and regulate competition in livestock markets, the study underscores the importance of formulating and implementing business models and strategies leading to the most organized livestock marketing and networking among market stakeholders.
The study's findings will guide the development of the livestock sector in drylands, facilitate the creation of value-added product chains for the market, manage pricing, structure market governance, and facilitate market support networks.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Purpose of the Study
1.4 Nature of the Study
1.5 Significance of the Study
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Livestock Development in Africa, and Kenya
2.1.1 A Perspective of the Livestock Industry
2.1.2 Livestock and the Economy of the African Continent
2.1.3 Livestock Sector in the Eastern Africa Region
2.1.4 The Livestock Sector in Kenya’s Drylands
2.1.5 The Performance of Kenya's Livestock Markets
2.2 Livestock Production Interventions and Outcomes
2.2.1 Livestock Feeds and Feeding Systems
2.2.2 Artificial Pasture Growing and Livestock Feed Formulation
2.2.3 Livestock Breeding and Breed Upgrading
2.2.4 Leather Industry and Value Chains Developments
2.2.5 Pastoral Farming Systems and Development Opportunities
2.2.6 Rangeland Management and Grazing Systems
2.2.7 Livestock and the Environment
2.2.8 Value of Pastoralism in Kenya
2.2.9 Climate Change and Pastoralism in Kenya
2.3 Livestock Marketing Interventions and Livelihoods
2.3.1 Role of Livestock Markets
2.3.2 Livestock Markets and Socioeconomic Factors
2.3.3 Characterizing Livestock Markets and Marketing Contexts
2.3.4 Emerging Family Farmers and Agricultural Livelihoods
2.3.5 Food Systems in Pastoral Areas
2.3.6 Agricultural Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
2.4 Theoretical Framework
2.4.1 Theory and Practice in Livestock Business Endeavours
2.4.2 Business Models for Consistency of Business Programming
2.4.3 Proposed Business Strategies and Models for Turkana Livestock Marketing
2.4.4 Summary of Literature Review Findings
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.1.1 Exploratory Research Design
3.1.2 Descriptive Research Design
3.1.3 Application of the Research Designs
3.1.4 Research Approaches
3.1.5 Population and Sample of the Research Study
3.1.6 Materials and Instrumentation of Research Tools
3.1.6.3 Validity of Research Results.
3.2 Operational Definition of Constructs and Variables
3.2.1 Demographics
3.2.2 Livestock Production
3.2.3 Livestock Market Access and Opportunities
3.2.4 Market Information Systems (MIS)
3.2.5 Competition and Rivalry in Markets
3.2.6 Supply and Demand Market Forces
3.2.7 Theory and Practice
3.3 Study Procedures and Ethical Assurances
3.3.1 Study Procedures
3.3.2 Data Analysis and Presentation Techniques
3.3.3 Ethical Assurance
4. RESEARCH RESULTS
4.1 Qualitative Study Results
4.1.1 Study Findings from Primary and Secondary Research (Livestock Traders)
4.1.2 Traders' Competition and Rivalry
4.1.3 Supply and Demand Relations in Markets
4.1.4 Strategies and Models for Livestock Production and Marketing
4.2 Quantitative Research Results
4.2.1 Reliability of Research Instruments
4.2.2 Quantitative Data Analysis Results
4.2.3 Livestock Production and Market Access
4.2.4 Traders’ Competition and Rivalry
4.2.5 Supply and Demand Relations
4.2.6 Theory and Livestock Production and Marketing
4.3 Findings from Tertiary Study Participants (Government and CSOs personnel)
4.3.1 Livestock Production Situation in Turkana, Kenya
4.3.2 The State of the Turkana Pastoral Economy
4.3.3 Research Outcomes and Change Management in Pastoral Areas
4.3.4 Agribusiness Development in Pastoral Areas
4.3.5 Historical Impediments to the Livestock Trade in Turkana
4.3.6 Competition in Livestock Markets
4.3.7 Competitive Capacities of Livestock Buyers and Sellers
4.3.8 Rivalry Among Existing Livestock Marketing Competitors
4.3.9 Determinants of Competition and Rivalry in Livestock Markets
4.3.10 The Impact of Competition and Rivalry on Livestock Marketing
4.3.11 Influence of Market and Non-market Forces on Livestock Marketing
4.3.12 The Impact of Non-Market Forces on Competition in Livestock Markets
4.3.13 Impact of Seasons on Livestock Production and Marketing
4.3.14 The Seasonality of Livestock Business Operations
4.4 Strategies and Models Applied to the Livestock Industry Globally
4.5 Livestock Production and Marketing Legislation and Frameworks in Kenya
4.6 Successes and Challenges of Livestock-Based Policy
4.7 Turkana Livestock Development Case Analysis
4.7.1 CASE 1: Lomidat Slaughterhouse Enterprise
4.7.2 CASE 2: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Livestock-based Projects
4.7.3 CASE 3: Turkana Livestock Production Catchment Areas and Trade Routes
4.7.4 CASE 4: Livestock Trade in Turkana West Sub County
4.7.5 CASE 5: Turkana Livestock Trade Prospects
4.7.6 CASE 6: Climate Change Impact on Livestock Development
4.7.7 CASE 7: Developing Efficient Livestock Farming Systems
4.7.8 CASE 8: Turkana Livestock Sector Performance – PESTLE Analysis
4.7.9 CASE 9: Strategic Management of Livestock Businesses in Turkana
4.8 Evaluation of Research Results
4.8.1 Quantitative Research Results
4.8.2 Qualitative Research Results
4.9 Synthesis of Research Results
4.9.1 Characteristics and Findings of Included Studies
4.9.2 Relationship between Studies and Patterns Explored
4.9.3 Applicability of Research Evidence Generated
4.9.4 Meta-analysis and Robustness of Study Results
4.9.5 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Research Evidence
4.9.6 Gaps in the Evidence and Subsequent Plans
5. IMPLICATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Implications
5.1.1 Livestock Production and Productivity
5.1.2 Livestock Marketing and Market Performance
5.1.3 Business Models and Competition
5.2 Recommendations for Application
5.2.1 Recommendations for Livestock Producers and Traders’ Demographics
5.2.2 Recommendations for Livestock Production and Market Access
5.2.3 Recommendations for Traders' Competition and Rivalry Management
5.2.4 Recommendations for Supply and Demand Relations in Markets
5.2.5 Recommendations for Theory Application
5.2.6 Recommendations for Future Research
5.3 Research Study Conclusion
5.3.1 Conclusion on the Literature Resources Reviewed
5.3.2 Conclusion on Research Study Results
5.3.3 Traders' Competition and Rivalry in Markets
5.3.4 Supply and Demand Relations in Markets
5.3.5 Theory and Livestock Production and Marketing
5.3.6 Conclusion on Recommendations for future Research
5.4 Summary Discussion of Study Findings and Business Cases
5.4.1 Discussion on Demographics
5.4.2 Livestock Production and Market Access
5.4.3 Competition and Rivalry in Livestock Markets
5.4.4 Integration of Theories and Models into Livestock Marketing
5.5 Way forward on Turkana Business Cases and Policy Frameworks
5.5.1 Livestock-based Livelihoods for Traders and Producers
5.6 Conclusion and Recommendations on CSR
Research Objectives and Core Themes
The primary research objective of this thesis is to examine the effects of competitive rivalry among livestock traders on market access in pastoral regions, with a specific focus on Turkana County, Kenya, by exploring socioeconomic factors, production dynamics, supply-demand relationships, and the implementation of strategic business models.
- Competitive rivalry and its impact on livestock market performance.
- Characterization of livestock trader demographics and business competencies.
- Supply and demand linkages in pastoral livestock trading networks.
- Role of business strategies in enhancing market efficiency and competitiveness.
- The influence of external market and non-market factors on the pastoral economy.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background of the Study
This thesis is the result of independent research into the issue of competitive rivalry in pastoral livestock markets, with the goal of determining how extreme competition hinders livestock production and market access opportunities in pastoral areas. Turkana County, Kenya, a larger and more complex pastoral region, is a case for study. The objectives of the study are to: characterize traders' competitiveness in markets; determine the impact of traders' competitive rivalry on livestock production and marketing; evaluate the impact of traders' competitive rivalry on livestock supply and demand relations; and assess the impact of locally applied business strategies and models on the competitiveness of livestock markets and traders.
In accordance with the aforementioned study objectives, the primary research questions formulated to guide the investigation of the study problem are: (i) What characteristics of livestock traders describe their market competitiveness? (ii) What is the influence of traders' competitive rivalry on livestock production and marketing? (iii) How does competitive rivalry between traders affect livestock supply and demand relationships in markets? (iv) How do locally applied business models and strategies affect the competitiveness of livestock markets and traders in pastoral areas? The research questions are strategic and exhaustive of the elements of the research study, which include the practice of competition and rivalry, market forces, stakeholders, and livestock entrepreneurs' behavior, and the organization of livestock marketing systems through the incorporation of theoretical foundations and efficient livestock business programming.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: Outlines the research focus on competitive rivalry in pastoral livestock markets, identifying key objectives and questions regarding trader competitiveness and market dynamics in Turkana County.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW: Reviews global and regional perspectives on livestock development, production interventions, marketing frameworks, and theoretical models underpinning business strategies in pastoral settings.
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Details the mixed-methods approach, research designs, sampling procedures, and the ethical considerations used to investigate the study problem.
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH RESULTS: Presents findings from qualitative and quantitative analysis, including insights from traders, government, and CSO personnel, alongside specific case studies of livestock initiatives in Turkana.
CHAPTER 5: IMPLICATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND CONCLUSION: Analyzes the study results to provide implications for livestock production, marketing, and competition policies, offering recommendations for future development and research.
Keywords
Livestock, pastoralism, Turkana County, competitive rivalry, market access, business models, market performance, livestock production, supply chain, trader competitiveness, pastoral economy, livestock marketing, market forces, sustainability, socioeconomic characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research?
The research investigates the effects of competitive rivalry among livestock traders on market access and livestock production in pastoral areas, specifically focusing on Turkana County, Kenya.
What are the primary areas of investigation?
The key themes include traders' socioeconomic characteristics, the impact of extreme competition on supply and demand, and the role of modern business strategies in improving livestock market efficiency.
What is the primary objective of this thesis?
The main goal is to determine how intense competition among traders impacts the broader livestock industry and to identify how better organized business models can enhance market performance and livelihood stability for pastoralists.
Which research methodology was adopted?
The study utilized a mixed-methods research approach, incorporating both exploratory and descriptive research designs to capture a comprehensive view of the livestock market dynamics in Turkana.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers a comprehensive literature review, the rigorous research design and methodology, an in-depth analysis of research findings (both qualitative and quantitative), and an evaluation of several specific business cases in the Turkana livestock sector.
Which keywords define this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as pastoral economy, competitive rivalry, market access, Turkana County, business strategy, and sustainable livestock production.
How does this study address the closure of the Lomidat Slaughterhouse?
The study performs a dedicated case analysis of the Lomidat Slaughterhouse to understand the political and economic factors that led to its closure and its subsequent impact on regional market competition and livestock value chains.
What are the key policy recommendations?
The study recommends formalizing livestock marketing associations, improving access to market information and financial credit for traders, and establishing regulatory frameworks that curb unethical competitive practices and boost market transparency.
- Quote paper
- Ekiru Francis Anno (Author), 2022, The Effects of Traders Competitive Rivalry on Livestock Market Access in Pastoral Areas. A Case of Turkana County in Kenya, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1356828
