RURAL TRANSPORTATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON STAPLE FOOD PRODUCTION IN ITAOGBOLU

Abstract

The United Nation in its millennium declaration adopted the millennium Development Goals (MDGS) that seeks among other goals to reduce poverty especially in the less developed societies, Africa inclusive. Hunger is a complex crisis; to solve it we must address the interconnected challenges of agriculture and transportation. Transport development has a tremendous impact on economic activities. Poor road network, inadequate transport facilities and inefficient transportation system are the arrow head of low agricultural productivity and increase in price of agricultural products. This paper investigates the effects of rural transportation on staple food production in Itaogbolu. The primary data were collected in two different stages, the reconnaissance survey and questionnaire administration. Six quarters were identified and twenty questionnaires were administered on each of the quarters, making a total of one hundred and twenty. Data from secondary sources were also adopted. The research has found out that rural transport has a significant negative impact on staple food production. It also reveals some of the problems of staple production, such as crop failure, pest and disease infestation. It was vivid from the research that the various types of staple crop produced includes; tubers, grains, fruits and vegetable. The study however recommended that government should embark on the provision of adequate transport facilities; giving of loans to interested farmers as well as provision of subsidy of schemes.