Impact of Road Transport on Maize and Cassava Output in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State

This paper examines the impact of road transport on maize and cassava production in Etsako West local government area of Edo state. The study objectives are, taking inventory of cassava and Maize suitability, Examining existing road transport facilities, Assessing the effect of roads on maize and cassava productions and Analyzing the impact of the road transport on maize and Cassava output in the study area. Using both primary and secondary data for the study, the primary data were obtained through the use of questionnaires administered on 12 wards in the study area, administering 485 questionnaires in total and Scheduled interviews with the  LGA secretariat. This was done using a systematic random sampling method. The study showed that the conditions of roads are poor, such that some settlements are not connected with accessible road, while many roads are eroded filled with potholes. This had impact on the agricultural activities as many farmers could not access their farms, and agricultural produce get perish in their farms. The impact of this is that farmer’s loss interest in farming, while some other farmers change their occupation from farming. This leads to low Produce and standard of living of the farmers very poor. Among others, it is recommended that the three tiers of government come to the aid of Etsako West in areas of road transport provision and maintenance in order to improve on the development of agriculture of the area.

Keywords: Transport, Maize and Cassava, Development, Road, Etsako West, Transport Infrastructure.