Examination of the impact of rural road on Agricultural profitability in Ekiti State

Abstract

The study examined the impact of rural road on Agricultural profitability in Ekiti State. For the fact that the importance of Agriculture to any developing country cannot be over emphasized, as it contributes immensely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and also generate significant percentage of the developing nations work force. It thus aimed to examine the impact of rural road on Agricultural profitability in Ekiti State. Specifically, it examined the condition of rural road in Ekiti State, appraised the impact of rural road on livelihood of rural farmers in Ekiti State and examined the relationship between rural road condition and Agricultural profitability. The study was conducted in Ekiti State employing random sampling technique to select 218 respondents. Questionnaire administration was used to elicit data from the respondents. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tools were employed to test for the objectives of the study. Findings revealed that most of the rural roads in Ekiti state were not in good state and not safe. Affirmatively, commercial activities and cost of farming activities hinged on road transport in the study area. Furthermore, it was averred that rural road has impact on livelihood of rural farmers in Ekiti State, while significant relationship exists between rural road condition and Agricultural productivity in the study area. In other words, better state of road transport promotes better access to commercial activities while lowering cost of farming. The study recommends that government needs to ensure that state of rural road is improved upon in term of physical state and safety of the route. Community effort on ensuring the safety of the route should not be undermined. Also, Technovation should be employed in rural road construction and maintenance.