How do construction of rural roads affect the livelihood of small-scale farmers?
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
Papers (9) | Insight |
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3 Citations | 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. |
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. |
7 Citations | 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. | |
8 Citations | 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. |