RURAL ROAD DEVELOPEMENT

Tabi Didier 4/28/2024

I Introduction

Nearly one billion people worldwide live more than 2 km from a paved
road. Cameroon's road network, spanning over 121,000 kilometers, is a
critical infrastructure for the nation's economy and connectivity.

The Ministry of Public Works, recognizing the challenges posed by the

deteriorating conditions of these roads, has embarked on a strategic overhaul.
This includes the adoption of innovative maintenance methods and materials
to enhance the durability and load-bearing capacity of the roads, particularly
the vast network of dirt roads that are crucial for rural connectivity.

The strategy also encompasses governance reforms aimed at ensuring the

rigorous execution of maintenance works and the establishment of monitoring
systems for timely interventions.

These measures are expected to not only improve the current state of the
roads but also to future-proof them against the increasing demands of traffic
and the unpredictable variables of climate change. The proactive approach by
the Cameroonian government reflects a commitment to sustainable
infrastructure development and the well-being of its citizens.

This research in rural road construction is associated with increases in

farm and non-farm economic growth as well as poverty reduction. But the
causal impacts of rural roads have proven difficult to assess, mainly due to the
indigeneity of road placement.