ABSTRACT
The issue of market planning is not that of structural detereoration alone, neither is it that of sole locational insuitability. Rather it is a hydra-headed problem that can only be comprehended through an indepth study of all existing markets collectively. This unvails the short comings encompassed by interractions between all existing markets, and between them and other land uses particularly residential and productive, e.g., industrial and agricultural. These apart, there are also the internal problems that create mulfunctions in individual market. In-other-words, market study is that of spacio-physical issues that covers the spatial characteristics of markets in relation to their patronage areas and also the internal and structural morphological set ups. With respect to the f i r s t issue, i . e . , the spatial characteristics, it is of relevance to study markets' location thereby giving due considerations to distances covered by customers to patronize them. Within one particular town, it is these distances from customers' residences to the different levels of markets, particularly town, community and neighbourhood serving vii markets, that influence customer patronage. Regional market mostly offering single commodity are visited from whatever distance because of cheapness of goods or of the fact that they remain the only markets offering such goods. Similar study is done of all markets in Kano township. The second part undertakes detail study of the internal characteristics of markets in Kano township and from it was discovered that of all the existing market, one has serious physical and structural problems. It is for this market that planning solutions are recommended. In short nine markets are considered in solving the problem of distant patronage based on the locational characteristics of the existing markets. Also a preservation method is used for the improvement of the internal physical condition of Kurmi market in contrast to the very expensive redevelopment strategy.