Efficiency of selected camel markets in Sudan: A multivariate approach (1995-2011)

Despite the significant importance of camels to Sudanese economy but their markets still not well developed. The main constraints include poor market infrastructure, lack of market organization, inadequacy of market finance and transport services, these constraints are affecting marketing efficiency. Information of spatial market integration provides indication of competitiveness, the effectiveness of arbitrage, and the efficiency of pricing, however, markets that are not integrated may convey inaccurate price signal that might distort producers marketing decisions and contribute to inefficient production. The main objective of this study is to investigate price movements among important camel markets in Sudan to explore their performance and pricing efficiency. The study focused on scrutinizing the Camel markets in Sudan by considering the prices of five livestock markets which were Elobied, Omdurman, Sennar and Nyala. The study covered the periods from January 1995 to December 2011. The results showed that Omdurman camel market transforms the signal of prices toward other markets in the long run concluded that these markets were cointegrated, and the system was centered on Omdurman which mean the market was demand driven in the long run. Policies may draw attention to turn consumer behavior towards camel meat consumption. Clear strategy may be developed to improve the camel meat industry and exporting activities through developing the slaughterhouse and freezing, cooling storage, transportation and insures the health services in national capital.