Analysis of Socioeconomic Characteristics of Livestock Traders along Mubi-Cameroon Trade Route

The Boko Haram insurgency has changed the economy and society in Northeastern Nigeria, making it very challenging for people who live near the border to do informal cross-border trade, which is a vital way for them to make a living. To support such areas with beneficial policies, stakeholders need to understand the features of inhabitants of this dangerous environment. This study delineates the socioeconomic attributes of livestock traders engaged along the conflict-impacted Mubi-Cameroon trade route. Thus, the study used a mixed-methods approach where a structured questionnaire was administered to 240 livestock suppliers and sellers who were selected purposively. Descriptive statistical methods were used to analyze data on demographic variables, education, assets, and trading experience. Key informant interviews with two market experts provided qualitative insights. All traders are men (100%), most are married (94%), and over half (54%) are 46 or older. A large majority (81%) had only learned about the Qur'an, which indicates that they didn't go to any formal Western schools. Qualitative data revealed that traders had a lot of experience, with an average of nine years, and that 60% of them owned their livestock and capital assets, while 40% relied on loans, therefore, this information shows that their financial risk profiles were different. A certain group of people, mostly mature, experienced men with strong cultural and religious education but little formal training, controls the livestock trade along the Mubi-Cameroon route.