Sustainable road transport practices and challenges in Ethiopia: Sidama National Regional State
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Issue
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025)
Keywords:
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transport systems, sustainable road transport, socio-economic development, accessibility theory, mobility theory, sustainability theory, Ethiopia
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate sustainable road transport practices and the challenges facing Sidama Region, Ethiopia, in the context of national development goals. Methodology: The study uses a qualitative approach, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and document analysis, analyzed thematically with NVivo software and grounded in theories of accessibility, mobility, and sustainability. Results: The research identifies significant challenges: policy fragmentation, underdeveloped infrastructure, limited adoption of intelligent transport solutions, weak stakeholder engagement, and environmental sustainability gaps. Theoretical Contribution: The study applies and tests established transport theories in a new regional context, highlighting the gap between policy aspirations and practical outcomes. Practical Implications: Recommendations include improved policy alignment, investment in infrastructure and human capital, stronger public-private partnerships, and adoption of green technologies to advance sustainable transport in Sidama.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 13: Climate Action
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References
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Asher, S., & Novosad, P. (2020). Rural roads and local economic development. American economic review, 110(3), 797-823. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20180268
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Butkus, M., Mačiulytė-Šniukienė, A., & Matuzevičiūtė, K. (2023). Transport infrastructure investments as a factor of economic growth of European Union countries. TalTech Journal of European Studies, 13(1), 150–176. https://doi.org/10.2478/bjes-2023-0008
Dappe, M. H., Musacchio, A., Pan, C., Viktorivna, Y., Turkgulu, S. B., & Barboza, J. (2022). Infrastructure State-Owned Enterprises: A Tale of Inefficiency and Fiscal Dependence (Issue March). http://www.worldbank.org/prwp.
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Han, X., Su, J., & Thia, J. P. (2021). Impact of infrastructure investment on developed and developing economies. Economic Change and Restructuring, 54(4), 995–1024. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10644-020-09287-4
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Kaiser, N., & Barstow, C. K. (2022). Rural transportation infrastructure in low-and middle-income countries: a review of impacts, implications, and interventions. Sustainability, 14(4), 2149. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042149
Kambata, D. K. (2023). Human Death Due to Road Tra c Accidents in Sidama Regional State , Ethiopia : A Finite Mixture Count Regression Analysis, 0–24. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2690698/v1
Kaspi, M., Raviv, T., & Ulmer, M. W. (2022). Directions for future research on urban mobility and city logistics. Networks, 79(3), 253–263. https://doi.org/10.1002/net.22092
Klaus, H. (2024). Enhancing Infrastructure for Competitiveness in the Logistics Sector : A Strategic Perspective Abstract : May.
Kuteyi, D., & Winkler, H. (2022). Logistics challenges in sub-Saharan Africa and opportunities for digitalization. Sustainability, 14(4), 2399. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042399
Luke, R., & Walters, J. (2022). Logistics challenges and opportunities in Africa in the 2020s. Global Logistics and Supply Chain Strategies for the 2020s: Vital Skills for the Next Generation, 358–377. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95764-3_21
Mohan, D., Tiwari, G., Varghese, M., Bhalla, K., John, D., Saran, A., & White, H. (2020). PROTOCOL: Effectiveness of road safety interventions: An evidence and gap map. Campbell systematic reviews, 16(1), e1077. https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1077
Mulat, M. (2024). Traffic and Transportation Problems in Ethiopia: Manifestations and the Way out. Academia. https://www.academia.edu/12239009/Traffic_and_Transportation_Problems_in_Ethiopia_Manifestations_and_the_Way_outs
Musselwhite, C. (2023). Improving mobility in marginalised communities. Future Transportation, 3(4), 1347–1359. https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp3040074
Negesso, H., & Edae, M. (2018). Environmental implications of Universal Rural Road Access Program (URRAP) roads in Southwestern Ethiopia: The case of Jimma and Buno Bedelle zones. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 5(1), 86. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2018.8908
Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J. (2020). Urban and transport planning pathways to carbon neutral, liveable and healthy cities; A review of the current evidence. Environment International, 140(January), 105661. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.105661
Nitsche, B. (2021). Embracing the potentials of intermodal transport in Ethiopia: Strategies to facilitate export-led growth. Sustainability, 13(4), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042208
Patier, D., & Routhier, J. L. (2020). Urban Logistics in the light of sustainable development: Still a long way to go. Transportation Research Procedia, 46, 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRPRO.2020.03.168
Pizzinini, C., Rosner, P., Ziegler, D., & Lienkamp, M. (2024). Enhancing Rural Agricultural Value Chains through Electric Mobility Services in Ethiopia. arXiv preprint arXiv:2401.09285.
Sadaf, M., Iqbal, Z., Javed, A. R., Saba, I., Krichen, M., Majeed, S., & Raza, A. (2023). Connected and automated vehicles: Infrastructure, applications, security, critical challenges, and future aspects. Technologies, 11(5), 117. https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies11050117
Saidi, S., Mani, V., Mefteh, H., Shahbaz, M., & Akhtar, P. (2020). Dynamic linkages between transport, logistics, foreign direct Investment, and economic growth: Empirical evidence from developing countries. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 141, 277-293. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRA.2020.09.020
Santos, G. (2017). Road transport and CO2 emissions: What are the challenges?. Transport Policy, 59, 71-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2017.06.007
Sénquiz-Díaz, C. (2021). Transport infrastructure quality and logistics performance in exports. ECONOMICS-Innovative and Economics Research Journal, 9(1), 107-124. https://doi.org/10.2478/eoik-2021-0008
Sieber, N., & Allen, H. (2016). Impacts of rural roads on poverty and equity. Transport and Communications Bulletin for Asia and the Pacific, 86, 23-40.
The World Bank. (2018). Investing in opportunity, ending poverty. In Annual report 2018. https://doi.org/10.1109/ITCS.2009.35
Todaro, M. P., & Smith, S. C. (2012). Economic Development. In Pearson. http://eco.eco.basu.ac.ir/BasuContentFiles/57/57304a77-1269-4081-bd5b-4c66b84b06a4.pdf
Tucho, G. T. (2022). A review on the socio-economic impacts of informal transportation and its complementarity to address equity and achieve sustainable development goals. Journal of Engineering and Applied Science, 69(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s44147-022-00074-8
UNCTAD. (2019). Ethiopia ’ s Transport Service Sector : Measuring its Value Chains and Exploiting its Potential. June, 12–13.
UN-Habitat, U. N. E. P. (2015). Analysis of the transport relevance of each of the 17 SDGs.
Van Schalkwyk, M. C. I., & Mindell, J. S. (2018). Current issues in the impacts of transport on health. British Medical Bulletin, 125(1), 67–77. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldx048
van Wee, B., Annema, J. A., & Banister, D. (2013). The Transport System and Transport Policy. The Transport System and Transport Policy, 207–226.
Wan, Z., Titheridge, H., & Hou, N. (2024). Current social impact assessment practices for transport projects and plans in Chinese cities. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 42(2), 141–159. https://doi.org/10.1080/14615517.2024.2317523
World Bank Group. (2024). The World Bank Annual Report 2024 (Vol. 2024, Issue 132). https://doi.org/10.54946/wilm.12056
Yedla, S. (2015). Urban transportation and the environment: Issues, alternatives and policy analysis. In Urban Transportation and the Environment: Issues, Alternatives and Policy Analysis. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2313-9
Yohannes, S., Bashahun, G. M., & Waktole, Y. (2020). Assessment on handling, storage, transport and utilization of veterinary vaccines in selected districts of Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Dairy and Veterinary Science, 14(4), 555895. https://doi.org/10.19080/JDVS.2020.14.555895
Zhang, H., Wang, Y., Wang, C., Yang, J., & Yang, S. (2022). Coupling analysis of environment and economy based on the changes of ecosystem service value. Ecological Indicators, 144(68), 109524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109524
Zhang, T., Niu, C., Nair, D. J., Dixit, V., & Waller, S. T. (2023). Equity analysis and improvement in transportation resilience optimisation at the pre-event stage. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 122, 103892. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRD.2023.103892
Adedeji, O. A., Olafiaji, E. M., Omole, F. K., Olanibi, J. A., & Yusuff, L. (2014). An assessment of the impact of road transport on rural development: A case study of Obokun local government area of Osun State, Nigeria. British Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2(1), 34-48.
Akinshipe, O., & Aigbavboa, C. (2020). A theoretical review of the state of infrastructure in Africa. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management. Dubai: UAE, March, 1647–1655.
Arumugam, U., Karthick, A. V., & Ganesan, S. (2019). Challenges and opportunities in logistics at domestic and international- An overview. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research, 8(11), 3462–3466.
Asher, S., & Novosad, P. (2020). Rural roads and local economic development. American economic review, 110(3), 797-823. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20180268
Badada, B., Delina, G., Baiqing, S., & Krishnaraj, R. (2023). Economic Impact of Transport Infrastructure in Ethiopia: The Role of Foreign Direct Investment. SAGE Open, 13(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231162055
Butkus, M., Mačiulytė-Šniukienė, A., & Matuzevičiūtė, K. (2023). Transport infrastructure investments as a factor of economic growth of European Union countries. TalTech Journal of European Studies, 13(1), 150–176. https://doi.org/10.2478/bjes-2023-0008
Dappe, M. H., Musacchio, A., Pan, C., Viktorivna, Y., Turkgulu, S. B., & Barboza, J. (2022). Infrastructure State-Owned Enterprises: A Tale of Inefficiency and Fiscal Dependence (Issue March). http://www.worldbank.org/prwp.
de Rus, G., Socorro, M. P., Valido, J., & Campos, J. (2022). Cost-benefit analysis of transport projects: Theoretical framework and practical rules. Transport Policy, 123, 25–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2022.04.008
Du, X., Zhang, H., & Han, Y. (2022). How does new infrastructure investment affect economic growth quality? Empirical evidence from China. Sustainability, 14(6), 3511. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063511
EFDR Ministry of Transport and Logistics. (2022). Ethiopian Transport Master Plan Policy and Strategy 2022-2052. Addis Ababa
EFDR Ministry of Transport and Logistics. (2023). National Logistics Strategy (2018 – 2028). September, 100.
Ethiopia: An African. (2022). Ten Year Development Plan and a pathway to Prosperity.
Fan, J., Mehmood, S., Hussain, I., Nazir, S., & Basit, A. (2023). Transport infrastructure environmental performance: the role of stakeholders, technological integration, government policies and lean supply chain management. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11(December), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1322466
Han, X., Su, J., & Thia, J. P. (2021). Impact of infrastructure investment on developed and developing economies. Economic Change and Restructuring, 54(4), 995–1024. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10644-020-09287-4
International Transport Forum. (2023). ITF Transport Outlook 2023. OECD Publishing.
Kaiser, N., & Barstow, C. K. (2022). Rural transportation infrastructure in low-and middle-income countries: a review of impacts, implications, and interventions. Sustainability, 14(4), 2149. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042149
Kambata, D. K. (2023). Human Death Due to Road Tra c Accidents in Sidama Regional State , Ethiopia : A Finite Mixture Count Regression Analysis, 0–24. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2690698/v1
Kaspi, M., Raviv, T., & Ulmer, M. W. (2022). Directions for future research on urban mobility and city logistics. Networks, 79(3), 253–263. https://doi.org/10.1002/net.22092
Klaus, H. (2024). Enhancing Infrastructure for Competitiveness in the Logistics Sector : A Strategic Perspective Abstract : May.
Kuteyi, D., & Winkler, H. (2022). Logistics challenges in sub-Saharan Africa and opportunities for digitalization. Sustainability, 14(4), 2399. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042399
Luke, R., & Walters, J. (2022). Logistics challenges and opportunities in Africa in the 2020s. Global Logistics and Supply Chain Strategies for the 2020s: Vital Skills for the Next Generation, 358–377. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95764-3_21
Mohan, D., Tiwari, G., Varghese, M., Bhalla, K., John, D., Saran, A., & White, H. (2020). PROTOCOL: Effectiveness of road safety interventions: An evidence and gap map. Campbell systematic reviews, 16(1), e1077. https://doi.org/10.1002/cl2.1077
Mulat, M. (2024). Traffic and Transportation Problems in Ethiopia: Manifestations and the Way out. Academia. https://www.academia.edu/12239009/Traffic_and_Transportation_Problems_in_Ethiopia_Manifestations_and_the_Way_outs
Musselwhite, C. (2023). Improving mobility in marginalised communities. Future Transportation, 3(4), 1347–1359. https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp3040074
Negesso, H., & Edae, M. (2018). Environmental implications of Universal Rural Road Access Program (URRAP) roads in Southwestern Ethiopia: The case of Jimma and Buno Bedelle zones. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 5(1), 86. https://doi.org/10.4995/muse.2018.8908
Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J. (2020). Urban and transport planning pathways to carbon neutral, liveable and healthy cities; A review of the current evidence. Environment International, 140(January), 105661. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.105661
Nitsche, B. (2021). Embracing the potentials of intermodal transport in Ethiopia: Strategies to facilitate export-led growth. Sustainability, 13(4), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042208
Patier, D., & Routhier, J. L. (2020). Urban Logistics in the light of sustainable development: Still a long way to go. Transportation Research Procedia, 46, 93–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRPRO.2020.03.168
Pizzinini, C., Rosner, P., Ziegler, D., & Lienkamp, M. (2024). Enhancing Rural Agricultural Value Chains through Electric Mobility Services in Ethiopia. arXiv preprint arXiv:2401.09285.
Sadaf, M., Iqbal, Z., Javed, A. R., Saba, I., Krichen, M., Majeed, S., & Raza, A. (2023). Connected and automated vehicles: Infrastructure, applications, security, critical challenges, and future aspects. Technologies, 11(5), 117. https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies11050117
Saidi, S., Mani, V., Mefteh, H., Shahbaz, M., & Akhtar, P. (2020). Dynamic linkages between transport, logistics, foreign direct Investment, and economic growth: Empirical evidence from developing countries. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 141, 277-293. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRA.2020.09.020
Santos, G. (2017). Road transport and CO2 emissions: What are the challenges?. Transport Policy, 59, 71-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2017.06.007
Sénquiz-Díaz, C. (2021). Transport infrastructure quality and logistics performance in exports. ECONOMICS-Innovative and Economics Research Journal, 9(1), 107-124. https://doi.org/10.2478/eoik-2021-0008
Sieber, N., & Allen, H. (2016). Impacts of rural roads on poverty and equity. Transport and Communications Bulletin for Asia and the Pacific, 86, 23-40.
The World Bank. (2018). Investing in opportunity, ending poverty. In Annual report 2018. https://doi.org/10.1109/ITCS.2009.35
Todaro, M. P., & Smith, S. C. (2012). Economic Development. In Pearson. http://eco.eco.basu.ac.ir/BasuContentFiles/57/57304a77-1269-4081-bd5b-4c66b84b06a4.pdf
Tucho, G. T. (2022). A review on the socio-economic impacts of informal transportation and its complementarity to address equity and achieve sustainable development goals. Journal of Engineering and Applied Science, 69(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s44147-022-00074-8
UNCTAD. (2019). Ethiopia ’ s Transport Service Sector : Measuring its Value Chains and Exploiting its Potential. June, 12–13.
UN-Habitat, U. N. E. P. (2015). Analysis of the transport relevance of each of the 17 SDGs.
Van Schalkwyk, M. C. I., & Mindell, J. S. (2018). Current issues in the impacts of transport on health. British Medical Bulletin, 125(1), 67–77. https://doi.org/10.1093/bmb/ldx048
van Wee, B., Annema, J. A., & Banister, D. (2013). The Transport System and Transport Policy. The Transport System and Transport Policy, 207–226.
Wan, Z., Titheridge, H., & Hou, N. (2024). Current social impact assessment practices for transport projects and plans in Chinese cities. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 42(2), 141–159. https://doi.org/10.1080/14615517.2024.2317523
World Bank Group. (2024). The World Bank Annual Report 2024 (Vol. 2024, Issue 132). https://doi.org/10.54946/wilm.12056
Yedla, S. (2015). Urban transportation and the environment: Issues, alternatives and policy analysis. In Urban Transportation and the Environment: Issues, Alternatives and Policy Analysis. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2313-9
Yohannes, S., Bashahun, G. M., & Waktole, Y. (2020). Assessment on handling, storage, transport and utilization of veterinary vaccines in selected districts of Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Dairy and Veterinary Science, 14(4), 555895. https://doi.org/10.19080/JDVS.2020.14.555895
Zhang, H., Wang, Y., Wang, C., Yang, J., & Yang, S. (2022). Coupling analysis of environment and economy based on the changes of ecosystem service value. Ecological Indicators, 144(68), 109524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2022.109524
Zhang, T., Niu, C., Nair, D. J., Dixit, V., & Waller, S. T. (2023). Equity analysis and improvement in transportation resilience optimisation at the pre-event stage. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 122, 103892. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRD.2023.103892
Authors
Dangisso, S. S., Dayanandan, R., & Markos, W. (2025). Sustainable road transport practices and challenges in Ethiopia: Sidama National Regional State. Journal of Sustainable Development of Transport and Logistics, 10(1), 37–56. https://doi.org/10.14254/jsdtl.2025.10-1.3
Copyright (c) 2025 Siquarie Shudda Dangisso, R. Dayanandan, Wogene Markos
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