The Impact of Transportation on the Marketing of Agricultural Produce in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the movement and distribution of agricultural produce in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. The concept of spatial interaction which involved the principles of complementarity, intervening opportunities and transferability underpinned this study. One hundred (100) respondents made up of farmers, drivers and traders were purposively sampled and served with structured questionnaires. Focused Group Discussion and in-depth interview were also used to elicit information from different seller associations. Findings indicated that 82% of respondents do not have more than primary education while only 6% of them earn more than ₦50,000 monthly income. Deteriorating road condition, insecurity on the route ways (both the waterways and roads), fuel scarcity and the influence of road transport union were identified as problems militating against free flow of agricultural produce in the study area. The study concluded that an improvement in the transport network in the rural areas will enhance increased productivity and self-reliance. This will further improve employment opportunities, improved income, reduction in poverty level and improvement in the standard of living in rural communities. Based on the findings, the study suggested that there is urgent need for efficient road maintenance through participatory approach. The State Government, multinational oil companies, the Niger Delta Development Commission as well as the Ministry of Niger Delta should develop appropriate rural transport policy to address the chronic problems of transportation in the study area.