Motorable roads and transportation system in the agricultural zones of imo state, Nigeria: the missing factor in food production and distribution

Abstract

Amidst the abundance of fertile agricultural land, it was observed that the availability of food has remained a major problem in many African nations. The agricultural zones of Imo State, Nigeria were used as a case study. A sample of 600 rural dwellers was used to find out the missing factor in food production and distribution. The result showed that lack of adequate transportation systems and infrastructure are responsible for the shortage of food. Also the youths have drifted to the urban areas leaving the rural areas to the mercy of the aging population who do not have enough strength to sustain the traditional farming system. It is recommended that motorable roads especially farm to market roads be constructed. Also modes of transport that can go into the farmlands like “Kekenapep”, buses, taxis should be made available to ease the problem of transporting improved seedlings and agricultural products. Improving the water transportation, providing credit facilities as well as development of markets and agro-allied industries will go a long way to improve the production and distribution of food in Nigeria.

Keywords: Motorable roads, Transportation development, Agricultural zones, Rural areas, Food security.