A Situational Analysis Study of Yam Distribution Strategies of Farmers In Boki Local Government Area Of Cross River State, Nigeria In 2015

Abstract

This study undertook a critical situation analysis of the effect of distribution strategy on the production capacity of yam farmers in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State,Nigeria. This was motivated by the fact that distribution makes a great impact in bridging the gap between the producers and final consumers by moving the products from the point of production to the final consumers, thereby boosting the economic fortunes of the farmers and enhancing their morale to do more next farming season. The specific objectives of the study were: to examine the relationship between storage and transportation in the distribution strategies used by farmers in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State and their yam production performance. The population of the study was 35,000 yam farmers, dealers and retailers, while the sample size was 166. Chi-square test statistics was used to test the hypothesis. Among the findings, it was revealed that storage and transportation methods have no significant effect in the distribution of yam in Boki Local Government Area and the yam production performance of the farmers.  This notwithstanding,  it was recommended that  for effective distribution of yams to distant markets in the country’s major cities, government should build good  roads, subsidize prices of yam inputs and provide enabling environment   for the yam farmers such as security and essential services, to boost national food security.

Keywords: Farmers, yam distribution, storage, transportation, situation analysis, Nigeria.