Relevant Infrastructure for Improved Food Security in Flood Plains of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Access to relevant infrastructure reduces the stress and exposure of farmers to a variety of problems that affect the production of food. These include problems of planting, storage, processing and harvesting. The study examines how water, irrigation, transport, food processing, storage and marketing infrastructure will improve food security. Comprehensive study of existing infrastructure, their status and functionality were carried out in the state. The existence and need for the physical infrastructure and the locations including tube wells, wash bores, pumps, buildings and roads. Social infrastructure including produce markets and the facilities therein like water facilities, assembly facilities, electricity supply and agro processing infrastructure were reviewed and analysed. The study provides working information and data for efficient planning and implementation of the minor irrigation project and also the emphasis in market access so that the Agro produce could be successfully linked across the different value-adding stages to the farmer. The need for policy intervention that can help in upgrading and expanding these infrastructures is imperative. Presently the World Bank and other donor bodies are assisting with financing rural road rehabilitation, development of agriculture, marketing and storage facilities,
provision of rural drinking water and capacity building.

Key words: Infrastructure, food security, Flood plains, Donor agencies