EFFECT OF FLOODING ON AVAILABILE AND ACCESSIBLE ESSENTIAL AGRICULTURAL INPUTS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Mbese Terence Igbadoo, Yahaya Abdullahi Adadu, PhD and Erunke Canice Esidene, PhD
Volume 4 Issue 2
Abstract
Flooding is a recurrent natural disaster in Benue State, Nigeria, significantly impacting agricultural activities. This study investigates the effects of flooding on the availability and accessibility of essential agricultural inputs in the region. The primary aim is to understand the extent to which flooding disrupts the supply and accessibility of critical inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, which are vital for agricultural productivity and food security. A survey method was employed to gather data from a sample size of 400 farmers across various floodprone areas in Benue State. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information on the types and frequencies of flooding, the availability and accessibility of agricultural inputs before and after flood events, and the coping strategies adopted by farmers. Findings reveal that flooding severely disrupts the supply chain of agricultural inputs. About 75% of respondents reported a significant reduction in the availability of essential inputs post-flooding, attributing this to damaged infrastructure and disrupted transportation networks. Additionally, 68% of farmers indicated that accessibility to these inputs was hindered due to increased prices and limited supply, exacerbating their vulnerability and reducing their agricultural output. The study recommends the implementation of proactive measures to mitigate the impact of flooding on agricultural inputs. These include the construction and maintenance of resilient infrastructure, the establishment of emergency supply depots, and the provision of financial assistance to affected farmers. Furthermore, the development of an efficient early warning system and the promotion of flood-resistant agricultural practices are essential to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector in Benue State. Addressing the challenges posed by flooding on the availability and accessibility of agricultural inputs requires a multi-faceted approach involving infrastructure development, policy support, and community engagement to ensure sustainable agricultural productivity and food security in Benue State. Keywords: Flooding, Availability, Accessibility, Essential Agricultural Inputs, Benue State, Nigeria
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