CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides a comprehensive introduction to the study, encompassing the background of the study, statement of the research problem, research questions, objectives, and hypothesis. Additionally, it outlines the location of the study area, reviews relevant literature, presents the conceptual framework, and highlights the significance of the study.

1.1. Background of the study.

Transportation is an important and necessary sector from which most people earn their living. It is essential for human survival and it serves as a base of social and economic development of societies. People and goods move from one place to another by different mode of transport such as water, air, rail and road transport. Road as a model of transport serves as a conduit linking places and regions together. Road transport has an edge over other modes of transportation due to flexibility and door-to-door services rendered. Road transport conveys 42% of global mobility and constitutes 75% (Europe) and 85 – 90% (Asia) of freight traffic. Systematic connection, linkage or intersection of the road network in a place is significant (Jayasinghe, 2013). This satisfies mobility needs, allows unlimited and unrestricted interaction and provides access to services in an area. A well connected road network promotes socioeconomic well-being by ensuring movement of people to and from work, business, shopping, schools and recreational locations and transportation of freight which comprise raw material and finished goods (Papi,2007).

Historically, transport was a primary factor of economic development. This was the case with New Zealand’s early economic development; and it remains true in developed and many developing countries, where the transition from a rudimentary, fragmented transport system to even a poorly-developed network was of great importance. The absence of a well-developed transport system acts as a serious constraint on economic growth. Technological progress in transport, and the consequent capital investment, was essential to New Zealand’s early economic development (Francois, 2005).

Globally, transportation networks play a crucial role in facilitating economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability worldwide (World Bank, 2019). Effective transportation systems enhance connectivity, reduce poverty, and increase access to markets, services, and opportunities (Banister & Berechman, 2000). However, inadequate transportation infrastructure can hinder development, exacerbate inequality, and harm the environment (WHO, 2018).

 In America, roads and railroads allowed the United States to expand from states hugging the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to all the land between the Atlantic and Pacific. In addition, improved transport infrastructure has expanded the range over which goods can be marketed and thus create room for income generation for other developmental purposes such as settlement construction, adoption of modern farming techniques and equipment. Although there is very little empirical evidence to this effect, it is generally believed that the U.S. government’s massive investment in road transportation development and infrastructural development in the 19th century led to the significant growth registered by the country’s economy during that period, Gillen (2009). This growth was however a step towards socio-economic development.

In the case of developing world: Africa, India and Latin America are all lacking in terms of road transport accessibility and this has been a major problem in economic development underline the role of improving transport links between geographically separated markets in helping to remove bottlenecks in production, trade, and economic integration. The principal role of transport is to provide or improve access to different locations for businesses and individuals, for both freight and personal movements. For the business sector, this involves connections between businesses and their suppliers, between businesses and other businesses, and between businesses and their markets. For the household sector, transport provides people with access to workplaces, schools and shops. It connects them to social, recreational, community and medical facilities for personal and leisure activities (Blenda, 2001).

In Africa, there are countries where the transport sector is poorly developed with untarred roads in the rural areas and poorly tarred roads in the urban areas have been a major characteristics which comes as a result of inadequate funding, poor maintenance and limited accessibility which affects socioeconomic activities especially farmers livelihood. This has made it difficult for farmers to transport their agriculture products to the market meanwhile, agriculture is one of the main indicators of economic growth to every society. Improved transportation infrastructure hence gives rise to complex economic interactions, with the exact causal relationship between economic growth and infrastructure investment as observed in some parts of some African countries (Blum, 2002).

In Cameroon, transportation network is vital for its economic growth, with the sector contributing approximately 10% to GDP (World Bank, 2020). However, the country’s transportation infrastructure faces significant challenges, including: Limited road network coverage (MINTRANSPORT, 2020), inadequate maintenance (World Bank, 2020) and high congestion and accidents (CRTV, 2020).

In Wabane Sub-Division, which is a sub-division found in the Lebialem Division, is located in the south west region of Cameroon. In this rural community, the roads linking the market and other rural communities are untarred which affects farmers from transporting their farm products to the market and it also hinders the access to healthcare services.

1.2. Statement of the research problem.

In recent years, Wabane, a rural community in the South West region of Cameroon, has experienced a significant impact of transport network marked by infrastructural challenges. The rural community will continue to face worse situation in the near future given that the current pace of development maintain and the factors causing these challenges continue to expand.

Despite the critical role of transport networks in facilitating economic growth and social development, Wabane Sub-Division faces significant challenges in accessing markets, healthcare, education, and social services due to inadequate transport infrastructure. The existing transport network is characterized by poor road conditions, limited public transport, and lack of connectivity, hindering the socio-economic development of the region.

To address the challenges of the transport network in Wabane Sub-Division, it is necessary to implement a range of measures. These include investing in the maintenance and upgrading of existing transport infrastructure, developing and implementing alternative modes of transportation, and promoting sustainable transportation practices. This will possible to improve the quality of life of the local population, access to market, healthcare, education and social services.

1.3. Research questions

1.3.1. Main research question:

– How does transport network affects socio-economic activities in Wabane Sub-Division?

1.3.2. Specific research questions

– What are the road transport network in Wabane Sub-Division?

-To what extent does transport network affects socio-economic activities in Wabane Sub-Division?

– What are the challenges and mitigation strategy of road transport network in Wabane Sub-Division?

1.4. Research objectives

1.4.1 .Main research objective

– To examine the effects of transport network on socio-economic activities in Wabane Sub-Division CAMEROON.

1.4.2. Specific research objectives

– To identify the road transport network in Wabane Sub-Division

– To analyze the extend to which transport network affects socio-economic activities  in Wabane Sub-Division.

– To investigate the challenges and mitigation strategies of road transport network in Wabane Sub-Division.