TOWARDS ADOPTING INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR ACHIEVING FOOD SECURITY IN THE SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of integrated transport systems on achieving food security in South-East Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of integrated transport systems on farm-to-market travel time, post-harvest food losses, and food price variability, and identified integrated transport systems that could enhance food security in the region. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 4,512 stakeholders involved in agricultural production, transportation, and food distribution in South-East Nigeria. Using the Taro Yamane (1967) formula, a sample size of 367 respondents was determined, of which 353 valid responses were analyzed. Data were collected using a structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to answer the research questions, while simple linear regression was employed to test the hypotheses at a 5% level of significance. The findings revealed that integrated transport systems significantly improved farm-to-market travel time (Grand Mean = 3.94; Average SD = 1.07; R = 0.782, R² = 0.611, F = 549.812, p < 0.05). The study also found that integrated transport systems significantly reduced post-harvest food losses (Grand Mean = 3.95; Average SD = 1.08; R = 0.768, R² = 0.590, F = 496.731, p < 0.05). Furthermore, integrated transport systems significantly reduced food price variability (Grand Mean = 3.97; Average SD = 1.07; R = 0.801, R² = 0.642, F = 617.348, p < 0.05). Respondents equally supported the adoption of integrated road, rail, and water transport systems (Grand Mean = 3.98; Average SD = 1.07) as a sustainable strategy for enhancing food security. The study concluded that integrated transport systems are indispensable for improving food availability, accessibility, and price stability in South-East Nigeria. It recommended increased investment in multimodal transport infrastructure, rehabilitation of rural feeder roads, strengthened public-private partnerships in transport logistics, and the integration of cold-chain facilities into agricultural transport systems to enhance sustainable food security.