THE PERCEIVED EFFECT OF RURAL TRANSPORTATION ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE IN IGBARA-OKE, NIGERIA

This study examines the perceived effects of rural transportation on agriculture produce in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government area Ondo State Nigeria. Case study research design was adopted while both primary and secondary data were utilized. Using a purposive multi-stage sampling technique, the total populations of farmers (2,139) at Igbara-oke, was determined and a 15% sample size was taken. Questionnaire was administered to 337 respondents. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were held across the study area. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyzed the data at p value ≤ 0.05, while the qualitative data were content analyzed. Based on the ranking of the effect of transportation on agriculture, spoilage of farm produce was the highest (25.4%). Chi-square revealed a significant difference between the scale of agricultural engagement and transportation accessibility to farm locations (0.258). Transportation had a significant negative effect on agricultural produce, therefore, there should be rehabilitation of more rural feeder roads from farmlands to the markets is recommended.