scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

How do construction of rural roads affect the livelihood of small-scale farmers? 


Best insight from top research papers

The construction of rural roads significantly influences the livelihood of small-scale farmers, impacting various aspects of agricultural productivity, market access, and socio-economic development. Improved road infrastructure facilitates the mobility of the rural population, enabling them to seek employment beyond their communities and access non-farm markets, which can lead to livelihood diversification and reduced economic distress. However, the effectiveness of rural roads in promoting sustainable agricultural development is nuanced and varies by region. In China, for instance, rural road construction has been shown to significantly promote agricultural sustainability in eastern and central areas, but its impact is negligible in western regions due to the siphoning effect of talent and capital loss. The condition of rural access roads directly affects the quantity of food crops produced by smallholder farmers, their income levels, and the overall contribution to agricultural GDP. Moreover, the physical state of these roads can influence the cost and efficiency of transporting agricultural produce to markets, thereby affecting food prices and the economic well-being of rural communities. Projects aimed at improving rural road infrastructure have demonstrated positive outcomes, including increased agricultural yields, reduced transportation costs, and enhanced income levels among beneficiary communities. However, the mere construction of rural roads does not automatically translate into socio-economic benefits. In some cases, infrastructure development has not led to significant changes in the livelihoods of rural communities due to factors such as government role, community education, and maintenance of the infrastructure. Empirical analysis in Cambodia revealed that while rural road improvements did not affect travel costs, they significantly enhanced travel frequency to local markets, contributing to household income growth. In contrast, India's national rural road construction program highlighted that new feeder roads primarily facilitated nonfarm work outside the village, with minimal changes in agricultural outcomes. The condition of rural roads in South Africa has been identified as a contributing factor to poverty, underscoring the importance of quality infrastructure for economic development and sustainable livelihoods. Lastly, the maintenance and management of rural roads are crucial for sustaining the benefits of road construction, emphasizing the need for effective evaluation and management strategies.

Answers from top 9 papers

More filters
Papers (9)Insight
Construction of rural roads enhances small-scale farmers' livelihoods by improving access to markets, essential services, and economic opportunities, crucial for sustainable development and growth in rural areas.
Open accessJournal ArticleDOI
Sam Asher, Paul Novosad 
155 Citations
Construction of rural roads in India through the national program primarily enables nonfarm work for workers, with minimal impact on small-scale farmers' livelihoods, as per the research findings.
Improvements in rural roads in Cambodia increased travel frequency to local markets, leading to enhanced household income for small-scale farmers through better market accessibility.
Construction of rural roads, like Jalan Tani, can positively impact small-scale farmers' livelihoods by enhancing access to markets, education, and overall socio-economic development in the community.
Construction of rural roads by the AfDB-CBARDP in Nigeria led to increased crop yields, reduced transportation costs, and boosted incomes of small-scale farmers, enhancing their livelihoods significantly.
The construction of rural roads impacts small-scale farmers by reducing transportation costs for agricultural produce, enhancing safety, and requiring suitable wearing courses like sand for sustainable use.
Construction of rural roads, like in the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in Jhunjhunu district, India, primarily enhances agricultural activities but shows limited growth in other occupations, hindering livelihood diversification.
Rural road construction in China promotes sustainable agriculture development but negatively impacts environmental sustainability, with varied effects across regions, potentially affecting small-scale farmers differently.
Construction of rural roads, particularly tarred roads, in South-east Nigeria did not significantly impact small-scale farmers' crop quantity, income levels, or agricultural GDP contribution based on the study findings.

Related Questions

What are the Socio-Economic Benefits of Improved Rural Roads?9 answersImproved rural roads have significant socio-economic benefits, enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunities for rural populations. The construction and improvement of rural roads in various regions have demonstrated a direct impact on socio-economic development by facilitating better access to markets, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Firstly, improved rural roads reduce transportation costs and travel time, making it easier for farmers to access markets, which can lead to increased agricultural productivity and incomes. For instance, in the States of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, and Kwara, the provision of rural road infrastructure led to a considerable increase in the average yield per hectare of maize and cowpea, alongside a significant increase in the income of the sampled respondents. Similarly, in Cambodia, rural road improvements did not directly affect travel costs but significantly enhanced travel frequency to local markets, contributing to household income growth. Moreover, rural roads contribute to the socio-economic and cultural development by facilitating rural populations to seek employment beyond their communities, fueling the development of non-farm markets and creating livelihood diversification opportunities. This diversification is crucial for reducing economic distress among rural populations. Education and healthcare access are also significantly improved through better rural connectivity. Improved road infrastructure increases transport facilities, giving better access to healthcare and education, as observed in studies where enrolment in secondary/higher secondary schools increased due to access to rural roads. Furthermore, the socio-economic development facilitated by rural roads can influence labour mobility, with programmes potentially promoting not only internal but also external trade, thereby enhancing the overall social profitability of rural areas. However, the financing method of these improvements, such as through a rural poll tax, can influence the wage levels and migration patterns, affecting the distribution of benefits between urban and rural households. In summary, improved rural roads are pivotal in enhancing socio-economic development by improving market access, increasing agricultural productivity, facilitating employment and livelihood diversification, and improving access to education and healthcare.
How does the construction and development of farm-to-market roads impact agricultural productivity among local farmers?5 answersThe construction and development of farm-to-market roads significantly impact agricultural productivity among local farmers. Access to good road infrastructure enhances market connectivity, reduces transportation costs, and facilitates the movement of agricultural inputs and outputs, ultimately boosting productivity. Studies highlight that poor market access due to inadequate roads negatively affects productivity, while good rural roads have a positive influence on agricultural output. Additionally, rural road construction promotes the flow of labor and capital, playing a vital role in agricultural production and rural revitalization, with significant impacts on sustainable agricultural development. Addressing road infrastructural challenges through road construction and rehabilitation is crucial for enhancing agricultural development and reducing post-harvest losses in rural areas.
What are the status of road connectivity in rural areas?5 answersRoad connectivity in rural areas plays a significant role in the socio-economic development and livelihoods of rural people. Studies have shown that rural roads have a positive impact on both farm and non-farm sectors, leading to increased income generation. Access to healthcare services in rural areas is largely dependent on rural road connectivity, with better road infrastructure resulting in improved access to health facilities. Rural roads are considered as an entry point for poverty alleviation and employment generation, and their development is crucial for sustainable development. A need-based approach for rural connectivity has been suggested, which focuses on ensuring accessibility to basic facilities and prioritizing road construction based on usage and population served. Improved road infrastructure in rural areas has been found to enhance accessibility to education, healthcare, and drinking water facilities, leading to socio-economic progress.
How does insufficient road infrastructure in rural areas impact road maintenance?5 answersInsufficient road infrastructure in rural areas has a significant impact on road maintenance. When maintenance is lacking, road defects such as potholes, malfunctioning traffic lights, unsecured manholes, and missing road signs start to emerge. This lack of maintenance leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of road maintenance performance, as seen in the case of Company X, where their maintenance performance did not meet the Service Level Agreement (SLA) targets for key performance indicators (KPIs) such as potholes and missing or damaged manhole covers. Additionally, poor road networks in rural areas hinder socio-economic development and sustainable livelihoods, as rural communities find it difficult to transport their goods to the market due to the lack of quality road access. Therefore, insufficient road infrastructure in rural areas directly affects road maintenance by allowing road defects to persist and impeding the overall development and well-being of rural communities.
What is the 2.2Relationship between Presence of Rural Roads and Income Generation Opportunities for Smallholder Farmers ?5 answersThe presence of rural roads has a significant impact on income generation opportunities for smallholder farmers. Rural road development has been found to have short-term benefits in terms of poverty alleviation and rural development, providing access to external resources and enhancing livelihoods. However, the long-term effects on agroecosystem health and agricultural productivity can be negative, leading to unsustainable land use practices. In China, the impact of rural highways on the income gap among farmers is "U-shaped," with national and provincial trunk highways helping to narrow the income gap. In Kenya, market expansion for smallholder farmers is influenced by factors such as household size, type of road, income, extension access, and distance to markets. Therefore, the relationship between the presence of rural roads and income generation opportunities for smallholder farmers is complex, with both positive and negative effects depending on various factors and contexts.
What are the socio-economic challenges of smallholder farmers in relation to rural roads?5 answersSmallholder farmers face several socio-economic challenges in relation to rural roads. Poor road infrastructure in rural areas hinders effective agricultural development, leading to low agricultural productivity and food insecurity. However, the impact of roads on livelihood patterns and attitudes toward social change varies. While better-off households tend to live closer to roads, poorer households also live closer to roads and are more open to economic and social change. Access to paved roads has been found to have positive effects on economic outcomes in rural areas, including lower prices, increased availability of non-local goods, increased use of agricultural technologies, and enrollment gains for younger children. Additionally, improvements in infrastructure, such as rural road-building programs, can lead to diversification of crop portfolios, adoption of modern agricultural technologies, and increased hired-labor use among remote households.

See what other people are reading

Energy potential of rice husk charcoal?
5 answers
Rice husk charcoal exhibits significant energy potential through various applications. It can be utilized for energy generation, biochar production, and as an alternative fuel source. Studies have shown that rice husk combustion can generate electricity and thermal energy with high efficiency, making it economically feasible for energy production. Additionally, rice husk charcoal can be further processed into briquettes, offering an alternative energy source with varying combustion rates based on compaction pressure. Moreover, the continuous carbonization of rice husk on a downdraft gasifier yields high-quality charcoal suitable for charcoal briquette production and organic fertilizer manufacturing, showcasing its energy conversion efficiency and thermal properties. Furthermore, rice husk charcoal can be utilized as an adsorbent to treat urine, demonstrating its versatility in energy and environmental applications.
What is Likert-scale?
5 answers
A Likert scale is a psychometric measurement tool commonly used in social sciences research for assessing attitudes and opinions. It consists of a series of statements or questions to which respondents indicate their level of agreement or disagreement on a scale, typically ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree". Likert scales provide a structured way to gather data and analyze responses, allowing for the conversion of interrelated items into composite scores for statistical analysis. These scales are essential for evaluating various characteristics in fields like disaster risk reduction, business continuity management, and organizational resilience. Likert scales are discrete and ordered sets of categories, enabling researchers to quantify and measure subjective opinions and perceptions effectively.
Is the functional mobility measured using objective tests lower in PwH compared to helthy controls?
5 answers
Functional mobility measured using objective tests is lower in individuals with specific health conditions compared to healthy controls. For instance, individuals with Parkinson's disease (PwP) exhibit compromised functional mobility. Similarly, the Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) syndrome in older adults is associated with impaired functional mobility, as evidenced by slower performance in the Timed-Up-and-Go test. Conversely, healthy controls demonstrate better functional mobility, as seen in studies comparing them to individuals with health conditions like Parkinson's disease and MCR. These findings highlight the importance of objective assessments in identifying and monitoring functional mobility limitations in specific populations, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to improve mobility outcomes in individuals with health conditions.
Is there any relationship between technology and academic performances of students?
5 answers
The relationship between technology and academic performance of students is multifaceted. While some studies suggest a positive impact of technology on educational effectiveness and academic performance, others indicate a negative influence, especially when electronic devices are excessively used during lectures and study time. Excessive use of technology at school has been associated with lower academic performance in mathematics, with an inverted U-shaped relationship observed in various OECD countries. However, it is crucial to note that the effectiveness of technology in promoting academic success depends on factors like proper utilization, design dimensions of educational tools, and the interaction between humans and technology. Therefore, optimizing the role of technology in education requires a balanced approach and careful consideration of its impact on students' learning outcomes.
What is technological knowledge of teachers?
5 answers
Technological knowledge of teachers refers to the understanding and proficiency teachers have in utilizing technology to enhance teaching practices. It is a crucial component of the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, which emphasizes the integration of technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge to improve educational outcomes. Teachers with strong technological knowledge can effectively transmit content, facilitate student understanding, and engage digital-native students in learning. Research shows that teachers need to develop a balance of technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge to successfully integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into classroom practices. Enhancing technological knowledge through professional development programs can lead to improved teaching quality and student academic excellence across various subjects.
Do haemophilic patients show lower values in the short physical performance battery?
5 answers
Haemophilic patients tend to exhibit lower values in physical performance assessments. Studies have shown that adult patients with haemophilia (PWH) have impaired subjective physical performance compared to healthy controls, as indicated by the HEP-Test-Q questionnaire. Additionally, PWH demonstrate diminished fitness abilities in various aspects such as coordination, strength, aerobic fitness, and mobility when compared to healthy peers. Furthermore, PWH have significantly lower values in the one-leg stand test, lower extremity mobility, chest and back muscle strength ratio, and endurance test, highlighting their compromised physical fitness levels. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored exercise programs to address the reduced physical performance observed in haemophilic patients.
How do adversity quotients influence interpersonal problem-solving skills in university students?
5 answers
Adversity quotients play a crucial role in shaping interpersonal problem-solving skills in university students. The ability to face difficulties and not give up, as indicated by the adversity quotient, significantly impacts how students approach and tackle problems in academic settings. Research highlights that a higher adversity quotient is positively correlated with improved problem-solving abilities, indicating a strong relationship between the two. Students with higher adversity quotients tend to exhibit more flexibility and resilience in problem-solving tasks, enabling them to navigate challenges effectively. Understanding and developing adversity quotients among university students can enhance their social skills, assertiveness, and overall ability to solve interpersonal problems, contributing to a successful academic journey.
How can agricultural waste be efficiently converted into usable energy sources?
4 answers
Agricultural waste can be efficiently converted into usable energy sources through various methods. Thermochemical conversion processes, such as pyrolysis, can transform surplus agricultural waste into bio-oil and bio-char, offering an alternate energy source and enhancing crop productivity. Additionally, utilizing agricultural waste like grain straw for energy production can significantly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and forest fire risks, providing thermal energy for regions with high technical heat potential. Furthermore, the energy capabilities of agricultural wastes like groundnut shells and sugarcane bagasse have been explored for clean combustion and electricity generation, showcasing their potential as solid biofuels with higher heating values and combustion efficiencies. These approaches not only address energy needs sustainably but also mitigate environmental challenges associated with traditional energy sources.
What is academic dishonesty?
5 answers
Academic dishonesty encompasses various dishonest acts within educational settings, affecting students, educators, and the academic environment. It includes behaviors like cheating, plagiarism, falsification, and sabotage, which can have detrimental effects on higher education. Factors influencing academic dishonesty include students' attitudes, with studies showing varying levels of acceptance towards dishonest behaviors among students. Research also indicates that academic dishonesty is prevalent in both traditional and online educational settings, with students resorting to cheating methods like using social media applications and online academic commissions. Despite the negative consequences associated with academic dishonesty, there is a lack of clear condemnation and intervention from students to prevent such behaviors in educational settings.
What is the degree celsius to convert walnut shell to walnut ash?
5 answers
To convert walnut shell to walnut ash, the pyrolysis temperature plays a crucial role. Research indicates that walnut shells are best pyrolyzed at different temperatures depending on the desired application. Walnut shells are suitable for use as alternative fuels when pyrolyzed at 300 °C for soil fertilizers, while pistachio shells are optimal at 350 °C and peanut shells at 550 °C. Additionally, the pyrolysis temperature for bio-char production from walnut shells is recommended to be 600 °C for improved High Heating Value and carbon content. Furthermore, the optimal carbonization process for walnut shells involves a final temperature of 324.7 °C, with the carbonization reaction intensifying at a heating rate of about 10 °C min−1.
What is Learning approaches?
5 answers
Learning approaches refer to the various strategies and methods that students employ to engage in the learning process. These approaches can include deep, surface, or strategic learning methods, or a combination of these. Different theoretical perspectives, such as biological, behaviorist, cognitivist, constructivist, connectivist, and humanistic, influence how individuals perceive and engage in learning. Studies have shown that high-achieving students tend to utilize deep and strategic approaches more frequently, while low achievers lean towards surface approaches. Understanding students' learning approaches is crucial for educators to tailor teaching methods effectively and enhance learning outcomes. The Approaches to Learning Questionnaire (ALQ) has been developed to capture these diverse approaches in various cultural contexts, challenging traditional views of learning approaches.