Framework for evaluating long-term strategies for the development of the Sahel - Sudan region, annex 7 : the role of transportation

The selection of transport investments and policies is dependent upon their influence on other activities in the modern and traditional sectors in the Sahel-Sudan region. The region encompasses six nations of francophone west Africa, including Chad, Mali, Maritania, Niger, Senegal and Upper Volta. The economies of these countries, although slightly different from one country to another, are largely agricultural-based and a majority of the population reside in the rural areas. A recent prolonged drought spell has aggravated the development problems facing these nations. In seeking to develop the analytical framework, this study has proceeded along two lines. First, a review of the transport conditions in the region was conducted to develop a data base for use in cost simulation models for the transportation system. Second, the transport costs generated by these models were utilized to examine more generally the role of the transport system in the economic activities in the region, especially those in the rural areas. This study has focused primarily on road transportation, because of the extent of the region and the predominantly agricultural nature of the economy. However, other modes of transport have also been addressed whenever their role became relevant to the overall transport picture.