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Contestability between Road and Rail Transport for Dry Cargo in Malawi: Cost and Service Reliability Issues. The Never Ending Race

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  • Vincent Collins Matemba

    (Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia)

  • Kasonde Mundende

    (Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia)

  • Inonge Milupi

    (Institute of Distance Education, University of Zambia)

Abstract

For several years, a modal shift from road to rail transport has been promoted by policymakers and industry experts as it is believed that this move would provide a basis for achieving lower transportation costs. Malawi’s main goal is to reduce transportation costs and ensure that transport does not constrain its economy and the achievement of this strategic objective would be by facilitating a modal shift from road to rail transport. While all these efforts are being made, there is still not much to trigger the modal shift. This study therefore, focused on understanding the freight modal split between road and rail and went further to establish the reasons why shippers choose a particular mode of transport for their shipments. A descriptive research design within quantitative methodology was employed. Using a simple random sampling technique, 84 participants were recruited for this study. The finding of the study revealed that 87 percent of shippers use road transport because it provides a shorter shipment delivery window, reliable transport service, and availability. It is therefore recommended that the government should invest to revitalize rail transportation to make it more efficient.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincent Collins Matemba & Kasonde Mundende & Inonge Milupi, 2023. "Contestability between Road and Rail Transport for Dry Cargo in Malawi: Cost and Service Reliability Issues. The Never Ending Race," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 10(9), pages 335-342, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bjc:journl:v:10:y:2023:i:9:p:335-342
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wouter Zant, 2018. "Trains, Trade, and Transaction Costs: How Does Domestic Trade by Rail Affect Market Prices of Malawi Agricultural Commodities?," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank, vol. 32(2), pages 334-356.
    2. Yves Crozet, 2017. "Rail freight development in Europe: how to deal with a doubly-imperfect competition?," Post-Print halshs-02122842, HAL.
    3. Volpe, Richard & Leibtag, Ephraim S. & Roeger, Edward, 2013. "How Transport Costs Affect Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Prices," Economic Research Report 161355, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
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    1. Vincent Collins Matemba & Kasonde Mundende & Inonge Milupi, 2023. "Correlates of Transport Mode Choice: Dry Commodity Movement. A Case of Malawi," International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), vol. 10(11), pages 45-57, November.

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