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Although poverty reduction is currently dictating international development policy, many people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) continue to live in extreme poverty. What could possibly be wrong? Are development approaches right, or the policies relevant? This study looks at road infrastructure, which if seriously considered, could make an impact among the majority rural poor in SSA. This work finds overwhelming evidence supporting the importance of rural roads in poverty reduction.However, it also establishes that widespread corruption is proving to be very detrimental to road development in the region. A balance is then struck by showing some crucial environmental and social concerns in road construction in order to have an inclusive development.On the policy side, it establishes that Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) are inadequately prioritizing road infrastructure. Consequently, widening gaps between policy and implementation; lack of commitment by many governments in SSA; and disjointed sectoral strategies are critical development policy challenges affecting road infrastructure improvement. Finally, relevant and serious remedial actions are recommended for impact.
About the author
A young LEAD Fellow specializing in poverty-environment-development nexus analysis. Holding an MSc. in Environment and Development (distinction) from University of Reading, (2012), the author is currently studying for PhD in Forestry and Environmental Management at Mzuzu University, while working for Forestry Research Institute of Malawi (FRIM).
