Bridging the Gap: How Rural Roads Connect Local Communities to Vital Services and Resources in Aleta-Wondo, Sidama Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Poverty is a major issue in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the transportation sector is viewed as a viable tool for promoting economic growth and development. The objective of this research was to analyze the importance of roads in resource mobilization by small-scale farmers, measure their impact on market access and engagement, and quantify their contribution to improving household well-being in two Ethiopian woredas. A multistage sampling process was used to choose 514 households, which were categorized as having or not having road access. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as a treatment effects model. The study discovered that households with road access had better access to markets, schools, and health care services than those without. However, due to selection bias, the observed differences cannot be attributable simply to road access. To solve this issue, a treatment effects model was used, and the matching exercise's quality was evaluated. The findings show that access to institutions and infrastructure, market access, and input consumption channels all have a major impact on households and their livelihoods. As a result, investment in road infrastructure is critical for fostering rural development and improving local communities' livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa.