The influence of market information access on cattle trading decisions and profitability in the Teso sub-region.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
Access to market information is vital in cattle trading because it helps traders to make informed decisions about pricing, timing when and where to sell, volume of traded, and profitability. This study investigated the effect of market information access on cattle trading decisions and profitability in selected livestock markets in the Teso sub-region of Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional research design with a quantitative approach was employed. The research was conducted in four selected livestock markets: Arapai, Ocaapa, Bukedea, and Ocorimongin. while the target sample was 406 traders, complete data were successfully obtained from 386 cattle traders, comprising buyers, sellers, and brokers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews and were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, correlation analysis, ANOVA, t-tests, and multiple linear regression. The results revealed that 67.6% of traders accessed market information on a daily basis, wwith fellow traders being the most frequently cited source (84.7%), followed by radio and television (74.1%) and mobile phones (67.6%). Price information was the most sought type of information (91.2%). Aapproximately 65.8% of traders rated the information they received reliable or highly reliable. Market information exerted the strongest influence on price bargaining and the timing of sales, while over half of traders indicated a high or very high influence on profits, volume sold, and risk mitigation. Perceived credibility of information was the strongest predictor of its effect on price negotiation (β=0.42, p<0.001), followed by frequency of access, access to credit, and trading experience. Significant relationships were also found between information reliability and various trading decisions (p<0.001). The findings of the study indicate that having that is timely, trustworthy and easily accessible is crucial for improving decision-making and profitability in cattle trading .market in order to boost the performance cattle trade performance in the Teso sub-region, there is need to strengthen market information systems, improve communication infrastructure and promote equitable access to reliable information.
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Undergraduate research report
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Erio, N. (2026). The influence of market information access on cattle trading decisions and profitability in the Teso sub-region. [Unpublished undergraduate research]. Busitema University.