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ABSTRACT
The importance of commodity flow analysis in food security and the efficacy of GIS in spatial analysis cannot be overemphasized. This study investigated the movement of yam from the Zaki Biam international yam market to other parts of Nigeria in order to unravel food flow links/blockages with the aim of avoiding food wastage at the production or source region towards ensuring proper food distribution to deficit areas while promoting food security across the nation. Both primary and secondary data were utilized for the study. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire survey, while secondary data were retrieved from the Benue State GIS office and online website sources. Data were analyzed using inferential, descriptive statistics and GIS flow mapping procedures. The results confirmed that Zaki Biam is the largest yam market in Benue State and the biggest point of yam distribution across Nigeria. The study further showed that there is more yam flow from Zaki Biam yam market towards the Southern part of Nigeria than to the Northern part of the country. And while white yam flows to southern Nigeria, water yam flows to the Northern part of Nigeria. Additionally, while revealing opportunities in the commodity flow industry, the study identified the implication of flow mapping to food security and planning. The study concluded that flow mapping is a powerful skill that promotes economic understanding, efficiency and managerial prowess, particularly in commodity distribution, economic statistics, observing trends and ensuring food security. The study recommended innovative collaborative efforts between the relevant stakeholders to ensure commodity flow data acquisition and survey for economic censorship, effective decision-making and growth.
