Socioeconomic Benefits and Environmental Challenges of Rural Roads: A Case Study on Universal Rural Road Access Program (URRAP) in Waliso District, Oromia, Ethiopia.
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Date
2019-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Ethiopia has been undertaking numerous development programs and projects with the objective
of taking a country to the middle-income countries in the near future. Universal Rural Road
Access Program (URRAP) roads being constructed in WalisoWoreda are among the projects in
Ethiopia. Aim of this thesis was to examine the perceptions of the community on the
socioeconomic benefit of the construction and upgrading of the URRAP road in Waliso district,
Oromia region, Ethiopia. To accomplish the objective, the researcher employed descriptive
research design. Both primary and secondary data sources were used. In line with this both
qualitative and quantitative data type was employed. The study finds that development of the
road has had various changes to the social, economic and environmental situation of the
households and investors/ institutions located along the road. This changes have been mostly
positive especially in reference to increased job opportunities and greater markets but found to
be negative in reference to the environment and in specific vegetation and Animal and
communities livelihoods. The study also found significant local differences of opinion regarding
the various socioeconomic benefit and environmental impacts of the roads. Differences in
opinion at a community level were based on the age, level of education, Occupation, distance as
well as sex of the sample respondent. This study shows that perception of community in the study
area was further development of road net work by increasing control and management to
minimize its impact on environment. The study recommends the use of environmental impact
assessments to be used to a greater extent before the commencement of such projects and
monitoring done during the progress of road development projects to reduce loss of Vegetation,
Animal and distraction of ecosystem. Government and Policy maker had to be give series
attention for sustainable development. Further research is also recommended in the regulations
pertaining to road development and preparation and use of environmental impact assessment.
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Keywords
access, accessibility, road, impacts, road development, socioeconomic, transport, road sector development, agricultural production, social service, market access