Assessment of Rural Transportation in Abi Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Generally, the survival of regions and locations is predicated among others, on the corridors of accessibility. In contemporary times, transportation is regarded as the life wire of development and a lot is dependent on it. In spite of its importance, there is neglect in the development and maintenance of rural transportation system especially in countries of the developing world such as Nigeria. Based on this assertion, this paper seeks to assess the level of service of rural transportation in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State. The study specifically sought to identify the various modes and means of transportation in the study area, examine the contributions of rural transportation to the socio-economic development of the area, identify the problems militating against effective rural transportation services and make recommendations for improvement. The study relied on questionnaire, interviews and observations for data collection. A total of 400 copies of questionnaire were distributed and 377 copies were retrieved and used for analysis. The study used tables, charts and simple percentages for data presentation and analysis. The hypothesis that was formulated was tested using simple linear regression. The study observed that motorcycle is the most preferred mode of transportation by respondents in the study area. The result of the hypothesis showed that the level of service of rural transportation does not have significant effect on the socio-economic development of the area. This imply that socio-economic development in the study area is not completely tied to the level of service of rural transportation. Furthermore, the problems militating against effective rural transportation services include poor funding and difficult terrain. The study suggested that funding for road rehabilitation be increased by the government and other sources of funding such as Public Private Partnerships be advocated in the road development/rehabilitation process. 
Keywords: Transportation, rural transportation, mode of transportation, means of transportation, level of service.