Dynamic Effect of Rapid Urbanization on City Logistics: Literature Gleened Lessons for Developing Countries

Abstract

This paper reviews literature on the effect of urbanization on city logistics globally and highlight lessons for developing countries to consider. The literature is structured in categories that arise from the effect of urbanization in city logistics such as traffic congestion, road safety concerns, urban economy, environmental impact and energy consumption. Though the study of city logistics has been widely done in many developed Countries, very few studies have been done on city logistics in many developing countries. It is evident through literature that the expansion of the urban areas and cities to accommodate growing urban population is increasing the demand for freight transport and affect the amount of freight flows in many cities and impact negatively on the flow of goods and supplies to the cities. Cities therefore need comprehensive transport logistics plans and management that will help to maximize its positive impact to the society. The study findings help to understand the dynamic challenges of rapid urbanization to city logistics as well as propose solutions on city logistics measures and initiatives that aid to reduce the effect of rapid urbanization. Further, City Logistics have been noted to be critical as the population of cities grow, optimization and efficiency become key to future urban transport as more people demand mobility.