Farmers’ Perceptions of the Effect of Rural Transportation Systems on Farming Income in Ondo State, Nigeria

Rural roads are crucial to the socio-economic development of the rural population. Nonetheless, in Nigeria, the state of rural roads is pitiable, as the development, enhancement and provision of more rural transport systems could be a panacea for the prolonged deplorable and worsening state of rural roads in the country. This study examined the perceived effects of rural transportation systems on farmers’ income in Ondo State, Nigeria. A structured interview was used in eliciting information from 120 farmers in rural communities across the two local governments in the study area using a two-stage random sampling technique. Data used for the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as chi-square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The study revealed that farmers perceived the quality of transportation system causes a reduction in their income. Gender (χ²=6.472) and marital status (χ²=9.745) positively influenced income generated by farmers at p 0.05. Also, there was a significant relationship between transportation systems used (r=0.705, p 0.05), perceived effects of rural transportation (r=0.267, p 0.05), and income generated by the farmers on farming activities. Based on the results of the study, it could be inferred that improved transport systems would enable farmers to work harder to increase productivity and reduce poverty in rural areas. The study recommended the development of motorable roads with sufficient infrastructure and the establishment of an agency or board capable of monitoring rural infrastructure, in particular, transport infrastructure to promote easy movement and improve the provision of medical services in the area.