Socio-economic and environmental impacts of low-volume rural roads -- a review of the literature

This study reviews the available evaluative literature and presents issues to be considered in designing future rural road projects. Emphasis is placed on the broad social impact of rural roads and the diffusion of benefits to the rural poor. Impact areas in which roads are a significant factor are identified, e.g., agricultural production, employment, health, and education. Examples are offered of the potential benefits and problems of road construction in each impact category and questions are proposed for use in future evaluations. Roads must be location-specific in design if maximum benefits are to be derived, since roads are only one aspect of a region's development process. Roads almost invariably facilitate agricultural production and permit changes in crop composition (in response to increased market access), although it is usually the larger, wealthier farmers who benefit most. Roads also expand the use of technology by wealthier farmers, aggravating regional income disparities. Increased government extension services and cooperatives also tend to benefit the wealthier farmers. Increased availability of raw materials and markets encourages agribusiness and other commercial enterprises, but tends to discourage cottage industries. Road construction increases short- and long-term employment and land values and intensifies land use, while lower transport costs encourage a greater flow of consumer goods and travel. New roads also increase access to health, nutrition, and education services. Road development commonly causes local environmental problems such as deforestation, erosion, and decrease in soil fertility. The effects on national integration, community development, women, and minorities are too complex and regionally influenced to be generalized. Finally, criteria for designing projects in furtherance of social, environmental, and economic goals are suggested. Attached are a 170-item bibliography (1950-79) and lists of sources consulted.