The evidence for rural road technology in low-income countries

Abstract

Rural road networks in low-income countries (LICs) and low/middle-income countries (LMICs) are critical for economic and social well-being. However, they are mostly unpaved, are of poor average condition, can be impassable after periods of rain and have high user costs. There is therefore a need to identify low-cost, proven sustainable solutions for rural roads in these countries. To this end, the UK Department for International Development commissioned a systematic review to identify and appraise technologies appropriate for low-volume rural roads that have enabled improved and sustainable rural access in LICs and LMICs. Its findings are summarised in this paper. The review found that there is an evidence base of engineering-related technologies (primarily associated with the use of materials and design philosophies) that could be used to improve the performance of gravel or earth rural roads and that proper construction and appropriate maintenance are vital for the technologies to be sustainable in physical terms. However, the review argues that, since there are few empirical studies demonstrating the sustainability of rural road technologies, expert knowledge is needed to support the implementation of its findings.