Abstract

Road transport network pattern is an important infrastructure that determines the development of economic activities in the world. This is the case with the Buea Municipality. The research therefore was to examine the impacts of road transport network patterns on the spatial distribution of economic activities in the Buea Municipality.

The study used a survey design to collect and analyze the required data. Data collection was done using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and from secondary sources like textbooks and scientific articles like the internet.

Data collection was done using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Chi Square was used to test the hypothesis. The results showed that road transport network patterns have significantly impacted economic activities in the Buea Municipality.

Households in Buea have had different knowledge on the impacts of road transport network on the spatial distribution of economic activities as a significant majority (69%) said that road transport network has impacted economic activities while a small proportion (31%) were of the opinion that road transport network has no impact on economic activities.

From field observation, it was discovered that road transport network has significant impacts on economic activities some of which include: the driving force behind commercial activities, improvement in production and private sector investment, industrial development, regional advancement and manufacturing efficiency and accumulation of industry and the economy.

There are some challenges faced by transport sector in Buea such as traffic congestion, limited road connectivity, poor drainage and climate. The researcher proposed some recommendations that could help improve transport sector such as traffic management measures, systematic and non-random construction of houses and maintenance of existing roads.