*Olonila, M. I., **Agbaje, C. O. and *Adewunmi, B. A.
*Department of Agricultural and Bio-Resources Engineering, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State
**National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization, Ilorin, Kwara State
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14628216
ABSTRACT
Neglecting agricultural productivity, particularly in staple food crops, can drive a nation to rely on imports for sustenance. To address these challenges, the Federal Government established Strategic Grain Reserves to reduce post-harvest losses, ensure food storage for the population, provide relief during disasters, and support other countries in need. This study assessed factors affecting selected grain reserves using primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through questionnaires administered at six Strategic Grain Reserves in Ondo, Kwara, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, and Ekiti States.The findings revealed that 50% of the facilities were operational, 40% were under construction, and 10% awaited commissioning. The reserves had stored grains for a maximum of 36 months and a minimum of 24 months. Despite their current status, grain losses were minimal, at less than or equal to 5%. However, at the time of the study, the reserves had no stock in storage.Secondary data, covering population growth, grain production, export, import, and demand from 2006 to 2015, were analyzed using correlation coefficients. The results indicated weak and negative relationships between most parameters: -0.3 for population and grain production, -0.4 for exports, -0.2 for imports, and -0.02 for demand, showing no significant correlation. The exception was a positive but moderate correlation (0.5) between grain imports and population growth, highlighting a growing dependence on imports.Although the reserves are equipped to function effectively, they are underutilized due to low grain productivity and insufficient supply from catchment areas. Ideally, domestic grain production should meet the needs for export, import, demand, and storage. However, the analysis shows that production levels are inadequate.
Consequently, the reserves remain largely unused, with minimal grain stored to fulfill their intended purpose.