ROAD’S IMPACT ON FARMERS’ ACCESSIBILTY TO CREDIT FACILITIES, AGRO-CHEMICALS AND LABOUR IN A PART OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Roads are vital for transporting farm inputs and outputs in developing countries, yet their specific impact on inputs remains underexplored. This study investigated road types to rural settlements and their influence on farmers’ access to credit, agro-chemicals, and labour in Kwara State, Nigeria. Using multi-stage sampling, data were collected from 1,373 farmers across thirty-six settlements and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that 55.6% of settlements were linked by untarred roads. Access to farm labour was influenced by road conditions, with 43.4% strongly agreeing, though 30.2% disagreed that roads reduced labour costs. Regarding credit, 40.1% agreed roads aided access, yet 73.95% reported absence of banks in their settlements. For agro-chemicals, 61.2% disagreed that roads improved access, while 42.4% agreed roads lowered costs. Statistical tests showed significant variation in access to herbicides and agro-chemicals (F=17.66, p=0.000), but no significant differences in access to labour (F=0.62, p=0.430) or credit facilities (F=0.143, p=0.706) between tarred and untarred road settlements. The study concludes that poor road infrastructure limits farmers’ access to essential inputs and recommends improving rural roads and transport services to enhance agricultural productivity.