ABSTRACT:

Cattle trade flourish between Tchad and Nigeria since time immemorial Specific modes of coordination have been developed and established among various actors in the trade both within and between the two countries. In recent times, however, some changes are observed in the traditional modes and even among the actors in the business. This paper examines the forms ofcoordination that exist among the actors in cattle trade between Tchadian and Nigerian markets and how some ofthe traditions are undergoing changes. Data and information were collected in two main livestock markets in North-eastern Nigeria and five feeder markets in the Tchad Republic. Interview schedules were made to obtain data from main actors in the cattle trade which include cattle breeders, merchants, middlemen, transporters, butchers as well as industrial and local consumers. Information were gathered in relation to organisation and management of the trade, price determination, access to market information as well as modes, terms and relationship in the transaction of the business. It is observed that cattle trading between Tchad and Nigeria is a well coordinated open business system with numerous actors but with complimentary roles. Social and economic changes and modem innovation are influencing many aspects of the trade. To ensure positive developments, the paper suggests that the trade should be reorganised to take advantage of modern facilities in order to ensure security and planned economic benefits to both Tchad Republic and Nigeria.