Rural-Urban Food Movement: Role of Road Transportation in Food Chain Analysis

Abstract

The production of the food is majorly composite to the rural setting, and the consumption of this food is not only restricted to the rural area. This rural food production and urban area demand/consumption emphasises the need for rural-urban market linkages. This study employed mixed methods to investigate the role of road transport in the flow of food products from rural areas to the urban markets. Ten urban markets were sampled and 250 respondents from urban markets in Ibadan. The study revealed that household collaboration in the production and marketing of food produce exists in Ibadan. It was established that distance and transportation cost plays a vital role in supply volume, pricing, and delivery price. The variance in delivery cost is dependent on factors such as bargaining power, the season of the year, demand, destination, and road condition. In conclusion, improved roads condition and workable traffic policies that eliminate roadblocks are recommended.