Impact of Road Transport on Agricultural Development: A Nigerian Example

Abstract

Road transport plays an important role in agricultural development. This is because it is the major means of transporting agricultural produce from the farms to the markets as well as to various urban communities. This study examines the impact of road transport on agricultural development in Ilorin East L.G.A of Kwara State. It employs the use of both primary and secondary data. One hundred and fifty copies of questionnaire were distributed systematically to the farmers in the study area. Focus group discussion was also used to obtain information on the impact of road transport on rural development as a whole. Descriptive and analytical statistical methods were both employed to analyze the data gathered. The findings showed that road transport has both positive and negative impact on agricultural development in the study area. However, the bad conditions of the road affect cost of transportation of agricultural produce which in turn affect the rural farmers’ income. This study concludes by suggesting that an improvement in road transport system will lead to increased production by farmers. Community participation in road transport development should also be encouraged in the study area.

Keywords: Rural Development, Marketing, Transportation, Agricultural Production & Road Network