RURAL TRANSPORTATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON STAPLE FOOD PRODUCTION IN ITAOGBOLU

May edition RURAL TRANSPORTATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON STAPLE FOOD PRODUCTION IN ITAOGBOLU Fagbohunka. A 0 0 Department of Geography and Planning Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University , Akungba Akoko , Ondo State The United Nation in its millennium declaration adopted the millennium Development Goals (MDGS) that seeks among other goals to reduce poverty especially in the less developed societies, Africa inclusive. Hunger is a complex crisis; to solve it we must address the interconnected challenges of agriculture and transportation. Transport development has a tremendous impact on economic activities. Poor road network, inadequate transport facilities and inefficient transportation system are the arrow head of low agricultural productivity and increase in price of agricultural products. This paper investigates the effects of rural transportation on staple food production in Itaogbolu. The primary data were collected in two different stages, the reconnaissance survey and questionnaire administration. Six quarters were identified and twenty questionnaires were administered on each of the quarters, making a total of one hundred and twenty. Data from secondary sources were also adopted. The research has found out that rural transport has a significant negative impact on staple food production. It also reveals some of the problems of staple production, such as crop failure, pest and disease infestation. It was vivid from the research that the various types of staple crop produced includes; tubers, grains, fruits and vegetable. The study however recommended that government should embark on the provision of adequate transport facilities; giving of loans to interested farmers as well as provision of subsidy - Introduction The Influence of rural transportation sector within the economy is highly considerable, not only in quantitative terms (tons transported) but also in economic terms such as: source of wealth, employment and support given to other economic activities. Improved transport networks create and stimulate positive synergy and enhance social cohesion and integration by given citizen access to some opportunities. Ogunsanya (2002) defined rural transportation as a derived demand which serves to bridge the distance between origin and destination. In other words, transportation serves as a connector while distance is a major determinant of the intensity of relationship between various sets of phenomenon distributed in space of other sectors of the economy agriculture inclusive in space. Transportation has been a facilitator, aiding the development of other sectors of the economy, agriculture inclusive. Agriculture is the most fundamental human activities including not only the cultivation of crops, but also the domestication of annual. According to Johnson, V.A. (1999), but all the occupation by which gain is secured none is better than agriculture, none more profitable, none more delightful, none more becoming to a free man Agriculture has always played a leading role in peoples lives all over the world especially, in Nigeria about 70% of the total population engaged in agriculture. In Nigeria the bulk of food crops production takes place under the traditional system without the use of chemical powers (Oguntoyinbo, 1983). Holding are small and the main tools consists of hoes, cutlass, axes and knives. These characteristics and other farm practices have been passed down from one generation to another and they pose formidable obstacles in the way of modern agricultural modernization. A smooth agricultural system, especially staple food production has a lot to do with transportation. Thus transport dictates the efficiency, effectiveness and hair generality services are rendered in any agricultural system. Conceptual framework and relevant literature The dominant mode of transportation in Nigeria rural space head porterage. This form of transport persists principally because of road inadequacy and the state of disrepair of the entire rural road networks, especially during the period of rains. It is also belief that all these here serious implication on the cost and volume of the product being moved on the network. (Wilson 2002). Rural transportation contributes to a higher qualify of life and standard of living. Due to the fact that rural transport is easily affordable and accessible, it allows all citizens to use it, giving the same opportunity to each and everyone in term of mobility. It is therefore related to the well being of the people in various settlements (Csaki and Tuck 2000). Mabogunje (1980), noted that transport plays a vital role in the development of a country and he dwelt much on rural transport. Therefore, the study on rural transport its impacts on the economy of a particular area cannot be over emphasized. In this view road transport improvement is becoming a means of achieving socio-economic and political functions of rural area in the country. Many researches conducted in Nigeria and other sub-saharan African countries showed that transportation facilities should be improved (Adeniji, 1993). The dare need of transport at the grassroots in Nigeria relates mainly to providing a access to natural resources like minerals, agriculture, forestry etc. secondly for the provision of access route for the large population, to gain effective access to all economic activities and other services available at the rural and urban centre. Agriculture buoyancy, productivity and development are anchored by road network infrastructure, because poorly maintained roads militate against evacuation of farm product to the market. And also enhance hunger and scarcity. Economic benefits will accrue to areas that are linked with the good road network. Kelly,(2005). Charles (2000) identified food deficit areas, mostly in the eastern part of the country. The phenomena he attributed to over population, urbanization inefficient transportation and a development policy that emphasized cash or export crop production at the expense of food crops. Adeoye (2003), argued that the road programmes of distinct directorate of foods, road and rural infrastructure (DFRRI) was indeed so glorious and ambitious that several thousand kilometers of roads were constructed in order to open up remote areas. The politicization of the programme, poor planning, execution monitoring, and lack of foresight immensely generated its downfall. By implication, other programmes that are aimed at improving productivity and well-being of the rural and urban dwellers were thwarted. In a nutshell, the continued neglect of most areas, generates severe mobility problems which goes along way in a affecting and bastardizing the economic atmosphere of the inhabitants. Analysis and Discussion Table1 Sex Distribution of the respondents Sex Frequency Percentage Male 78 65 Female 42 35 Total 120 100 Source: Field Survey, 2011 Table 1 shows that out of 120 (100%) respondents, 78(65%) are males while, 42(355) are female (...truncated)