Analysis of the Transportation Infrastructure in Sierra Leone and its Impact on Local Commodities into the Market

Abstract

Transportation infrastructure plays a crucial role in the economic development and growth of nations, facilitating trade and investment opportunities by enabling the movement of people, services, and goods across markets and regions. However, developing countries such as Sierra Leone face significant challenges in providing suitable transportation infrastructure to support logistics management. Inadequate upkeep, financial constraints, and limited access to technology hinder the development of transportation infrastructure in Sierra Leone. Consequently, logistics management, which involves the planning, implementation, and control of the movement of goods and services, is adversely affected, leading to delayed deliveries, increased costs, and decreased competitiveness in the global market. This study aims to analyze the state of transportation infrastructure in Sierra Leone and its impact on local commodities. To assess the impact of transportation infrastructure on local commodity supply in Sierra Leone, a qualitative approach was employed. The findings from the study reveal that poor transportation infrastructure particularly limited cold storage facilities along transportation routes can lead to the spoilage of perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables. The findings were supported by four important recommendations: investment in road maintenance and expansion, modernisation of port facilities, development of intermodal transportation hubs, and the promotion of public-private partnerships.