Impact of rural roads in Liberia

Because these projects have apparently succeeded in providing such services, other villagers are now clamoring for similar assistance. First, however, it is necessary to assess who the actual beneficiaries were and how they benefited. A five-person evaluation team found that substantial implementation and road design difficulties were encountered in construction of the four roads by local contractors under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Works; and that the roads are economically justified in terms of the volume of passenger and cargo traffic. It was also found that the roads have had a mixed impact. Improved transportation has bettered educational opportunities for children of tribal communities, stimulated the cultivation of the cash crops of coffee, cocoa, and rubber; and reduced not only produce loss due to spoilage but also cargo costs of agricultural products by 90% in more isolated areas. Perhaps the most serious, long-term impact which negates these short-term benefits is the change in the land tenure and use system. Land belonging to farmers' tribes has increased in market value due to its proximity to the new roads and hence is sought by wealthy Liberians. Their renewed interest in this land impinges upon the traditional land tenure system, forcing farmers to relocate to areas removed from the benefits the roads provide. The net effect is the loss of a fundamental component of economic security and social stability. If people are to take full advantage of the access the roads offer, questions of resource and benefit distribution need to be addressed. Other negative impacts were identified. Roads have induced expanded lumbering activity and altered cropping practices -- both of which threaten the environment. Vehicle repair costs have risen sharply due to the damage vehicles suffer from poorly maintained roads. Appendices discuss the evaluation's methodology; project design, implementation, maintenance and feasibility issues; and the impact of Liberia's coup d'etat on rural development.