Analysis of Transportation and Distribution of Yam Produce in Nasarawa-Egon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Transportation and distribution are very critical in the production process of agricultural produce. Poor transportation and distribution often result in spoilage and wastages, thereby reducing farmers’ income and adversely impacts food security. This study attempts to examine the transportation and distribution of yam produce in Nasarawa-Eggon local government area of Nasarawa state, Nigeria. Questionnaire survey was used to elicit information from farmers, transporters and traders on modes, means and cost of transportation, distribution channels, frequency of distribution as well as problems associated with transportation and distribution of yam produce. The data collected were analyzed descriptively and it was found that farmers used mainly cars, pickup trucks and vans for transportation of yam produce. They jointly constituted 79.5% of modes of transportation of yam produce in the study area. Also, 59.09% of farmers sell their yam produce on market days and markets are the major channel of yam distribution particularly the regional market, which constitutes 56% of the channel of yam distribution. Moreover, yam transportation and distribution is found to be associated with numerous problems, the worst of all is bad road constituting over 35% of the problems as perceived by all the stakeholders in yam production, transportation and distribution. Based on these findings, some recommendations were made, which include road rehabilitation, providing of packaging standard for yam transportation, provision of storage facilities to reduce wastage; and adequate regulations of freight charges to reduce farmers’ exploitation and enhance farmers’ income.