Logistics and Distribution Problems of Agricultural Commodities from Greater Zaria Area, Nigeria

Abstract

The location of Greater Zaria area in the guinea savannah provides a good physical environment for both subsistent and commercial agriculture. In Greater Zaria, both rain-fed and dry season farming are practiced by a large number of people and a significant per cent of the produce are marketed and distributed to other parts of the country. This study attempts to analyse the problems of logistics in the distribution of agricultural commodities from Greater Zaria to different parts of Nigeria. Questionnaires were designed and the purposive sampling method was used to select and interview marketers, intermediaries, vehicle drivers, channel loaders and consumers. Percentages, tables and flow line map were used to analyse the data. The results revealed that instability in the price of gasoline, harassment by law enforcement agents, extortions/multiple taxations at checkpoints, numerous stopping points/places of drivers and very poor condition of roads are seriously affecting the efficiency of freight distribution. What more, existence of numerous middlemen, channel loaders and lack of storage facilities in the source markets or collection points affects the ordering process and inventory management in Greater Zaria. All these activities not only cause delays, but also lead to loss of weight in animals as well as perishing of commodities in the logistics distribution and add to the cost price of agricultural commodities to consumers. It was therefore, recommended, among others, that government should try to ensure stability in the pricing and supply of gasoline to all nooks and crannies of the country. State governments should come up with an agreed pattern of taxation on our high ways to check extortions and multiple taxation; while our law enforcement agents should be well-trained, adequately remunerated and re-oriented to carry out their duties effectively. Only by so doing could we enhance efficiency in the logistics distribution of agricultural commodities not only from Greater Zaria, but also to and from all other parts of Nigeria.

Keywords:  Problems, Logistics Distribution, Agricultural, Commodities and Zaria.