This study presents a systematic review of previous studies on the effects of poor rural road
networks on the logistics and transportation of food commodities in South-West, Nigeria. The
rural settlement has been identified as the center of food production, the supply of raw
materials needed for industrial production in the city, and the custodian of nature’s
endowment. The study is important because it can identify the major contribution of rural road
infrastructure in enhancing the efficiency of food transportation, while reducing post-harvest
loss and improving food security status in South-West Nigeria. The findings provide an
opportunity to contribute to how the policy-maker can help handle logistics challenges and
assure sustainable development among rural areas.
The study relied-on a literature review of previous relevant studies on the subject matter and
analyzed them. The findings revealed two types of rural roads (Earth and gravel) in South-
West, Nigeria. The country has a total of 193,200km of road network, and 164,200km,
represents 80% untarred. The condition of the rural roads has resulted in 25% wastage of food
crops produced in the region. The study concluded that investment in rural roads and the
provision of infrastructure will improve transport service operations, reduce the length of time
taken to deliver food produce to the market for sale, increase the farmers’ income, and improve
the well-being of rural residents