Abstract

The study investigated critical factors that influenced role performance of commodity leaders in periodic markets in Ondo State by employing multistage sampling procedure to select 390 respondents. Primary data collected with the aid of a structured interview schedule and key informant interview were analysed using descriptive analysis and Factor analysis. Results reveal that a large proportion of the leaders were female (61.0%), 23% were married with a mean age of 44±8.39 years and a mean household size of 6 persons. Election (47.5%) and nomination (38.5%) were the predominant criteria used for leadership emergence. Leading discussion in market meetings ( 2.37), representing the association in general market body ( 2.36), dissemination of market information ( 2.19), resolving conflicts among members and customers ( 2.13) were major roles performed. Critical factors found that influenced role performance of commodity leaders in periodic market were personal status, socioeconomic status, leadership base and institutional support. It was therefore recommended that the criteria for emergence of commodity leaders should take into consideration the identified factors to enhance market growth and the overall economic landscape of the State.

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