Impact of Road Transportation on Crop Marketing in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the impact of road transportation on crop marketing in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State.  A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select a total of 120 farmers (crop producers) for the study. Well-structured and validated questionnaire/interview schedule was used to obtain information from the respondents. Findings from the study revealed that the major crops transported for marketing were plantain (92.5%), banana (91.7%, yam (73.3%), maize (72.5%), and cocoa (65%). The most commonly used road types for transportation were footpaths, feeder roads, and tarred roads. Respondents perceived that the level of transportation system can cause a reduction in farmers' income (x ̅ = 3.12) and that the mode of transportation system can lead to crop damage (x ̅=2.83).  Results of chi-square analysis also showed that out of the major crops, maize, orange, and cashew nut had a significant relationship with respondents' perceptions of the impact of road transportation on marketing of these farm produce (P≤0.05). Constraints faced by respondents in transportation of major crops include high fuel cost (x ̅=3.50), distance from farm to the market (x ̅=3.40), high labour cost (x ̅=3.35), high transportation cost (x ̅=3.30), and poor road network (x ̅=3.13). The study therefore recommended improvement of road networks and transportation facilities, promotion of extension services, and promotion of alternative modes of transportation to reduce transportation costs incurred by the crop producers.