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Structural Characteristics and Spatial Organisation of Raw Food Markets in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Md. Shahidul Islam
Department of Geography, Pabna College, Pabna, Bangladesh

Md. Masud Parves Rana
Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh

Raquib Ahmed
Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh

Md. Mujibor Rahman*
Environmental Science Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The urban raw food markets of the Rajshahi City play a pivotal role to supply foods to the urban people. These food markets are very essential places in the commercial areas, which are dispersedly distributed over the city. The markets are found not grown up according to a master plan of the city. From this point of view, this study focuses on the structural characteristics and spatial organisation of the raw food markets of the city. The study also attempts to discuss historical background of the markets and their service area. It is revealed that the structural characteristics of all markets of the city are not sufficiently developed and also their spatial distribution are not well organised.

Keywords: Food market, Market structure, Spatial organisation, CBD

Location: Rajshahi City

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Food Safety and Security

Non-commodity: Market analysis

Objectives:

The structural pattern of raw food markets of Rajshahi City is not uniformly distributed and organised. Service pattern is also not up to the marks as the people demand. This is because of the unplanned growth and distribution of markets. This paper seeks to identify the structural characteristics and organisation of raw food markets of Rajshahi City. The specific objectives were- (i) to explain the historical background of raw food markets in Rajshahi City; (ii) to show the structural characteristics of raw food markets; and, (iii) to examine the spatial organisation and service area of the raw food markets of Rajshahi City.

Methodology:

The methods of this study include empirical field observation and data collection through questionnaire survey. Primary data was collected from 28 raw food markets of Rajshahi City. The sample size of the data was fixed on the basis of stratified random sampling. From all the markets, every seventh shop of different categories was surveyed through structured questionnaire. By this way, out of 3,741 sellers, 500 sellers were questioned as respondents’ to collect necessary data on marketing and selling system. On the other hand, data was also collected from 500 consumers through spot survey by structured questionnaire. The secondary data was also used to make conceptual framework and discuss historical background. The data was analysed through general statistical methods. In order to rank the market according to their centrality, a location coefficient was calculated for each functional type by the following formula:

C= t/T x 100 where, C= Location Coefficient; t= an outlet of a particular category (which means 1, a constant everywhere) and T= Total number of outlets of the same category in the city.

The multiplication of the relevant location coefficient by the number of outlets of a particular category present in a nucleation gives a centrality value of that centre for the same category. The functional index, indicating the degree of centrality of a nucleation, is derived by the additional of centrality values of all categories present in the nucleation (Ahmed, 1993).

Source of Information: Khulna University Studies, 8(2): 306-315, 2007

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Raw food markets are very important basic demand of urban people. It is primarily meant to supply of foods to the consumers. The different categories of markets depend upon locational and functional characteristics and also service area. It is one kind of meeting place where buyers and sellers exchange their demands. There are 28 raw food markets in the Rajshahi City, which is distributed randomly over the city area in an unplanned way. Structurally and spatially these markets are not uniformly organised. Shaheb Bazar has been found as the only market, which is structurally and functionally developed. The other markets of the city have been developed being influenced by this market. The quality, facilities and service area of the markets are increasing with time. But, the increase of markets in number is not significant after 1990. Modern super markets, departmental store etc are very rare in the city area. Structural characteristics of most of the markets are not developed. The area of the markets is very compact and shops are not distributed precisely. Spatial distribution of the markets has been originated because of transport facilities and population demands. The patterns of services of urban raw food markets are not equally accessible to all. It is because of uneven and unplanned distribution of markets and settlements. Now, it is postulated that urban raw food markets of the Rajshahi City function importantly and inevitably in the city area to supply foods. That is why; it deserves inclusion in up-to-date development planning and special attention from people and Bangladesh Government.

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