Literature have established that inadequate supply and high cost of food stuff are associated with inefficient transportation system and distribution of agricultural products. Poor transportation system in Nigeria has contributed a total waste of about 25% of the total agricultural foodstuff produced. Transportation therefore influences the cost of agricultural products consumed and the purchasing power of the final consumers. Road transport has been identified as the most common mode of transportation in Nigeria, that is, this means of transportation is mostly used in Nigeria for conveying agricultural products from one location to another and examples include bicycle, motor-cycle, taxi, public transport (pick-up van and buses) and Lorries among others. However, vehicles used to transport agricultural products from farm are not in good shape while some of them are rickety and unsuitable for such purpose.

The importance of road network in transportation of fresh and processed agricultural products in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. On the contrary, most of the rural roads are in poor conditions and this has imposed threat to food security by reducing the quantity of food available in the market; most food crops like tomato, fruits and vegetables are not in good shape at the point of sales and hence command low price; increase in vehicle operating costs as well as increasing travel time of agricultural products from farm. Not only that most of the key players in this sector of agribusiness are not educated but also information needed on the conditions such as temperature, humidity, type of packaging among others at which both fresh and processed agricultural products should be transported is missing while Government agencies in charge of road transportation system contribute a negative effect by increasing time of travel of fresh and processed food stuff and thereby increasing post-harvest loss.

On the other hand, improved rural transportation system such as good roads; use of proper means of transportation other than road that is faster which will help in preserving fresh agricultural products in good conditions and effective policy on transportation system that will ensure good time delivery should be employed. These will therefore encourage agricultural productivity, enhancing profitable prices and minimizing cost of transportation. Food supply available for human consumption which is obtained by deducting from total supplies from quantity fed to livestock, used for seed, and losses during storage and transportation will also increase. Government and all other stakeholders in agribusiness have a role to play in ensuring construction of good rural roads and investing into other modes of transportation (like railway, water way and air) that will facilitate time delivery of agricultural products. This is an avenue for people to invest into logistics part of agribusiness.

REFERENCES

Afolabi O. J, Ademiluyi, I.A , Oyetubi A. O. (2016): Analysis of Rural Transportation of Agricultural Produce in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State Nigeria. The International Journal of Transport and Logistics. 16(41): 19-30

Ajiboye A.O. (1995): Transportation and Distribution of Agricultural Products. A case study of Kolanut production in Remoland Ogun State. Unpublished M.Sc Transport Studies Thesis Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye.

Akintola, S.R. (2007): Coping with infrastructural deprivation through collective action among rural people in Nigeria. Nomadic Journal of African Studies, 16 (1). 30- 46

Olajide, S. O. and J. K. Olayemi (1972): A Quantitative Analysis of Food Requirement; Supply and Demand in Nigeria. 1968-1985, Federal Department of Agriculture, Lagos