ANALYSIS OF CONDITION OF RURAL ROAD TRANSPORT IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Despite the crucial role transportation plays in the socio-economic development of every society most developing countries are characterized by inadequate transport. This study examines the road transport situation in rural areas of Kwara State, Nigeria. The work adopted an integrated approach whereby rural road transport is viewed as a whole complex of the available roads, transport services and Intermediate Means of Transport (IMT). A total of 993 respondents were surveyed across the three senatorial districts of the state. The data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean ranking and histograms. Four topological measures were also used to determine the road network connectivity in the sampled LGAs. Overall, road network connectivity, level of road accessibility and transport services are generally poor and inadequate in rural areas of the state. However, spatial variations were found to exist in the area. Kaiama LGA was found to have the least level of road accessibility, road network connectivity and has the poorest transport services among the sampled LGAs. This implies that there is a greater restriction on mobility with attendant negative effects on the economy and general wellbeing of the people in the area. Transportation problems faced by rural residents in the area include that of poor road surface conditions, high cost of transport, overloading and incessant highway robberies. Suggested policy options include provision of adequate funds for road construction and rehabilitation, community-oriented approach to rural road development and introduction of interventions that will improve the provision of rural transport services.